Kapteyn's Star
Kapteyn's Star is a M-type (Red) star.
At a distance of approximately 12.8 light-years, Kapteyn's Star is one of the Sun's closest stellar neighbors. Light that we observe from Kapteyn's Star today left the star roughly 12 years ago, making it a near neighbor in galactic terms.
Kapteyn's Star is classified as a spectral class M star (M-type (Red)) on the Harvard spectral classification system.
Kapteyn's Star has an apparent magnitude of +8.86, placing it beyond naked-eye visibility. A good pair of binoculars or a small telescope is required to observe this star. Observers will note its red hue, which corresponds to a B-V color index of +1.543.
Physical Properties
| Spectral Class | Class M — M-type (Red) |
| Color Index (B−V) | 1.543 |
Observation
| Apparent Magnitude | +8.86 |
| Absolute Magnitude | 10.90 |
| Distance | 12.8 ly |
Position
| Right Ascension | 5h 11.65m |
| Declination | -45° 1.11′ |
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of star is Kapteyn's Star?
Kapteyn's Star is a Class M — M-type (Red) star.
How far is Kapteyn's Star from Earth?
Kapteyn's Star is approximately 12.8 light-years from Earth.
Can you see Kapteyn's Star with the naked eye?
With an apparent magnitude of 8.86, Kapteyn's Star is not visible to the naked eye.