Lambda Serpentis

Lambda Serpentis (λ Ser, λ Serpentis) is a star in the constellation Serpens, in its head (Serpens Caput). It has an apparent visual magnitude of 4.43, making it visible to the naked eye. Based upon parallax measurements from the Hipparcos satellite, this star lies at a distance of about 38.3 light-years (11.7 parsecs) from Earth. This star is larger and more massive than the Sun, although it has a similar stellar classification. It is shining with nearly double the Sun's luminosity and this energy is being radiated from the star's outer atmosphere at an effective temperature of 5,884 K.

Lambda Serpentis is moving toward the Solar System with a radial velocity of 66.4 km s–1. In about 166,000 years, this system will make its closest approach of the Sun at a distance of 7.371 ± 0.258 light-years (2.260 ± 0.079 parsecs), before moving away thereafter.

Read more about Lambda Serpentis:  Hunt For Substellar Objects