Astronomy and Space

Epsilon Cancri

Epsilon Cancri is a white-hued multiple star system in the zodiac constellation of Cancer. Its name is a Bayer designation that is Latinized from ε Cancri, and abbreviated Epsilon Cnc or ε Cnc. This is the brightest member of the Beehive Cluster (or Praesepe) with an apparent visual magnitude of +6.29, which is near the lower limit of visibility with the naked eye. The annual parallax shift of 5.4 mas as seen from Earth yields a distance estimate of approximately 606 light-years (186 pc) from the Sun. The system is moving away from the Sun with a radial velocity of +30 km/s. The outer pair has the designation WDS J08405+1933. The primary star is designated Epsilon Cancri and the secondary is HD 73711. Epsilon Cancri is itself a spectroscopic binary with components designated Aa (also named Meleph) and Ab. HD 73711 is also suspected of being a spectroscopic binary.

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See also

• ▸Astrometry
• ▸Archaeology of the Channel Islands
• ▸59 Draconis

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