Sigma Cassiopeiae


Sigma Cassiopeiae is a binary star in the constellation Cassiopeia. It is approximately 5000 light years from Earth and has a combined apparent magnitude of +4.88.
The primary component, σ Cassiopeiae A, is a B2 subgiant with an apparent magnitude of +5.0. Its companion, σ Cassiopeiae B, is a B5 main sequence dwarf with an apparent magnitude of +7.1. The two stars are three arcseconds apart.

Naming

In Chinese, 螣蛇, meaning Flying Serpent, refers to an asterism consisting of σ Cassiopeiae, α Lacertae, 4 Lacertae, π2 Cygni, π1 Cygni, HD 206267, ε Cephei, β Lacertae, ρ Cassiopeiae, τ Cassiopeiae, AR Cassiopeiae, 9 Lacertae, 3 Andromedae, 7 Andromedae, 8 Andromedae, λ Andromedae, κ Andromedae, ι Andromedae, and ψ Andromedae. Consequently, the Chinese name for σ Cassiopeiae itself is 螣蛇十一.