Tau Scorpii

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τ Scorpii
Observation data
Epoch J2000.0
Constellation
(pronunciation)		 Scorpius
Right ascension 16h 35m 53.0s
Declination −28° 12' 58"
Apparent magnitude (V) +2.82
Distance 430 ± 44 ly
(132 ± 14 pc)
Spectral type B0V
Other designations
Alniyat, Al Niyat, 23 Scorpii,
HR 6165, HD 149438,
HIP 81266
Surface magnetic field of Tau Scorpii reconstructed by means of Zeeman-Doppler imaging
Surface magnetic field of Tau Scorpii reconstructed by means of Zeeman-Doppler imaging

Tau Scorpii is a star in the constellation Scorpius. Tau Scorpii also has the traditional name Alniyat or Al Niyat, which it shares with σ Scorpii. The name derives from the Arabic النياط an-niyāţ meaning "the arteries".

Tau Scorpii is a blue-white B-type dwarf with an apparent magnitude of +2.82. It is approximately 430 light years from Earth.

It is a magnetic star whose surface magnetic field was mapped by means of Zeeman-Doppler imaging [1].

[edit] Notes

  1. ^ Donati et al, 2006, MNRAS 370, 629, "The surprising magnetic topology of τ Sco: fossil remnant or dynamo output?"
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