Cal B

Object Type

Cal B is a main sequence, spectral type M2V, red dwarf star. It is the secondary component of the Cal star system.

Location

In a distant orbit around Cal A. With a mean orbital distance of approximately 156 AU, Cal B orbits way outside the orbit of Calmarendi and all Cal A’s other planets.

Colour

Cal B is an orange-red colour, much redder than Sol's pale orange.

Brightness

Cal B has an absolute magnitude in visible light of 11.2 which gives rise to an apparent magnitude on Calmarendi of around -9.4, the exact value dependent upon the positions of Cal B and Calmarendi in their respective orbits around Cal A. It appears far brighter than anything, except Sol and the Moon, visible from Earth, bright enough to be visible during the Calmarendian day and to cast discernible shadows at night.

Current Age

The age of Cal B is unknown but we may assume that, on the balance of probabilities, it formed with and at the same time as Cal A. Though it could be an older star captured by Cal A at some point in the past, this is thought unlikely. One thing is certain, however: with an expected lifespan of 99 billion years, Cal B will be around for a long, long time yet.

Planets

There are numerous small planets in orbit around Cal B. It is not known whether any are habitable or inhabited though one does lie comfortably within the star’s habitable zone.

Myths and Legends

Probably

Physical Characteristics

Object Type

Red dwarf star

Spectral Type

M2V

The following data are approximations based upon typical values for type M2V stars.

B-V Colour Index

1.65

Mass

8.0 x 10²⁹ (0.4 times Sol)

Radius

4.3 x 10⁸ (0.6 times Sol)

Temperature

3,170 K

Absolute Magnitude

11.2 (cf. Sol 4.83)

Apparent Magnitude

-9.40

Estimated Lifespan

99 billion years
(cf. Sol 10 billion years, Cal A 2.3 billion years)

Current Age

Unknown

Planets

Yes (details tbc)

Orbital Characteristics

Data not available at the present time.