Gamma_Monocerotis
Gamma Monocerotis
Star in the constellation of Monoceros
γ Monocerotis, Latinised as Gamma Monocerotis, is a binary star[8] system in the equatorial constellation of Monoceros. Based upon an annual parallax shift of 6.55 mas,[1] it is located roughly 500 light years from the Sun. It can be viewed with the naked eye, having an apparent visual magnitude of 3.96.[2] Gamma Monocerotis is moving away from the Sun with a radial velocity of −5 km/s.[4]
This is an evolved K-type giant star with a stellar classification of K1.5 III Ba0.3.[3] The Ba0.3 suffix indicates this is a mild barium star, which means the spectrum displays abnormal abundance of s-process elements, including barium. These were deposited by an orbiting companion as it passed through the asymptotic giant branch stage. The companion is now a white dwarf star.[9]
It has reported companions B, at separation 53.7" and magnitude 13.1, and C, at separation 47.9" and magnitude 13.6.[10]