11.4
Apparent Mag10,000
Distance (ly)C(R)
Spectral Type5,500
Temperature (K)Sakurai's Object is a star caught in the act of being reborn. In 1996 it was observed evolving from a white dwarf back to a red giant as it reignited helium burning.
Stellar Data
Apparent Magnitude11.4
Absolute Magnitude-2
Distance10,000 light-years
Spectral TypeC(R)
Temperature5,500 K
Luminosity5,000 L☉
Radius150 R☉
Mass0.6 M☉
Right Ascension17h 52m 32.7s
Declination-17° 41′ 08.0″
ConstellationSagittarius
Notable Facts
- Sakurai's Object was observed transitioning from a white dwarf to a giant in real time
- It reignited helium shell burning around 1995
- This is one of only three known very late thermal pulse objects