Properties
η Oph is actually a binary star system that is difficult to resolve in amateur telescopes but whose true nature has been determined through use of more advanced techniques. The "primary" star (whose observational data make up the table in this article), which could nominally be referred to as η Oph A, is actually only slightly larger and warmer than its companion, η Oph B. Individually each star is a fairly unremarkable A class main sequence star, but as a binary pair they are unusual. Each star orbits around a common center in a close and highly elliptical orbit, making planetary formation impossible in this system and some stellar data imprecise.
η Oph is the northern pole star of the planet Uranus.
Read more about this topic: Eta Ophiuchi
Famous quotes containing the word properties:
“A drop of water has the properties of the sea, but cannot exhibit a storm. There is beauty of a concert, as well as of a flute; strength of a host, as well as of a hero.”
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)
“The reason why men enter into society, is the preservation of their property; and the end why they choose and authorize a legislative, is, that there may be laws made, and rules set, as guards and fences to the properties of all the members of the society: to limit the power, and moderate the dominion, of every part and member of the society.”
—John Locke (1632–1704)