White main-sequence star · Ophiuchus

Marfik

Also known as: λ Ophiuchi (λ Oph), HIP 80883

mag 3.8170 light-years

About

Marfik (λ Ophiuchi) is a white main-sequence star of magnitude 3.8 in Ophiuchus, about 170 light-years away.

Marfik is in the constellation Ophiuchus.
Best evenings: around mid-July it is highest at about 9 pm (10 pm in summer time); a month earlier, two hours later.
Where on Earth: it is seen well, at least 10° up, from north of 78° S.

When it rises and sets tonight, how high it climbs and how much the Moon gets in the way are worked out in your browser for your place.

EyesVisible from the suburbs on a clear night, but lost in bright city skies.
Binoculars (10×50)A sharp point; binoculars bring out its colour and the fainter stars around it.
Telescope (6–8 inch)Still a point of light at any magnification — stars are too far away to show a disc. Low in the sky, bright stars twinkle and flash colours.

Stars look the same in any instrument: brighter and sharper, but never bigger.

Proper name	Marfik
Designation	λ Ophiuchi (λ Oph)
Hipparcos number	HIP 80883
Type	White main-sequence star
Spectral type	A2V
Colour	WhiteB−V colour index 0.02
Magnitude	3.8The smaller the number, the brighter.
Distance	170 light-yearsThe light you see left it around 1850.
Proper motion	0.079″ per year across the sky
Constellation	Ophiuchus
Right ascension (J2000)	16h 30m 54.8s
Declination (J2000)	+01° 59′ 02″