Zeta Capricorni
Zeta Capricorni, Latinized from ζ Capricorni, is a fourth-magnitude star in the constellation Capricornus. ζ Capricorni is a binary star, with the primary component ζ Capricorni A being a yellow G-type giant with an apparent magnitude of +3.77. It is considered one of the prototypical examples of a Barium star, properties of which include overabundances of carbon molecules and s-process elements. Zeta Capricorni has an overabundance of the s-process element praseodymium.
Its companion, ζ Capricorni B is a hydrogen-rich white dwarf. It is about as massive as the Sun, and its temperature is 23,000 K.
The ζ Capricorni binary system is approximately 390 light years from Earth, based on its parallax.In Chinese, 十二國, meaning Twelve States, refers to an asterism which represents twelve ancient states in the Spring and Autumn period and the Warring States period, consisting of ζ Capricorni, φ Capricorni, ι Capricorni, 38 Capricorni, 35 Capricorni, 36 Capricorni, χ Capricorni, θ Capricorni, 30 Capricorni, 33 Capricorni, 19 Capricorni, 26 Capricorni, 27 Capricorni, 20 Capricorni, η Capricorni and 21 Capricorni. Consequently, the Chinese name for ζ Capricorni itself represents the state of Yan., together with ν Ophiuchi in Left Wall of Heavenly Market Enclosure.
