Hind's Crimson Star (R Leporis)

CARBON STAR · the drop of blood

COLOR among the reddest stars knownVARIES over about 14 months

Observers describe it as a glowing drop of blood on black velvet. R Leporis is a carbon star: sooty carbon compounds in its outer layers swallow the blue light and let only deep red escape. It slowly brightens and fades over about 14 months, and it looks reddest exactly when it is faintest. A jewel for small telescopes.

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