Barnards Star

Barnard's Star is a star in the constellation Ophiuchus which is notable for having the largest [proper motion]? of any star (other than the Sun) as seen from Earth. This large proper motion was discovered by the astronomer E. E. Barnard in 1916.

Lying at a distance of about 6 light years, Barnard's Star is the fifth closest known star to Earth (see Star/Nearest). Only the Sun and the three components of the Alpha Centauri system are closer. But Barnard's Star is a red dwarf (spectral type M4), so despite its proximity it is too faint to see without a telescope or powerful binoculars. Its apparent magnitude is 9.54.

Barnard's Star is also known as HIP 87937, and various other unfriendly names.

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External links:

• [Barnard's Star] -- an article about Barnard's Star
• [ARICNS 4C01453] -- technical data for Barnard's Star