description Zubeneschamali Overview
Zubeneschamali, also designated Beta Librae, is the brightest star in Libra and a naked-eye star of about magnitude 2.6. Its B8 V spectral classification identifies it as a hot blue-white main-sequence star. The traditional name means “the northern claw,” reflecting the older association of Libra’s stars with the claws of Scorpius. Some observers report a greenish tint, but this is generally treated as a visual impression rather than a separate physical color.
help Zubeneschamali FAQ
What is Zubeneschamali's scientific designation?
Zubeneschamali is the proper name of Beta Librae, written Beta Librae or β Librae, and it is cataloged as HR 5685. Its visual magnitude is about 2.6, making it visible to the naked eye under a dark sky. [IAU](https://www.iau.org/static/science/scientific_bodies/working_groups/280/WGSN_bulletin2.pdf) [SIMBAD](https://simbad.u-strasbg.fr/simbad/sim-basic?Ident=Zubeneschamali&submit=SIMBAD+search)
What color and spectral type is Zubeneschamali?
It is a hot blue-white main-sequence star classified around B8 V, with SIMBAD listing B8Vn. That classification identifies it as a hot stellar object rather than a cool red giant. [SIMBAD](https://simbad.u-strasbg.fr/simbad/sim-basic?Ident=Zubeneschamali&submit=SIMBAD+search)
Why is Beta Librae called Zubeneschamali?
The Arabic-derived name means the northern claw. It preserves an older sky picture in which Libra's stars were treated as claws of Scorpius rather than only as the Scales. [Star Facts](https://www.star-facts.com/zubeneschamali/)
Is Zubeneschamali the brightest star in Libra?
Yes, Beta Librae is generally identified as the brightest star in the constellation Libra. SIMBAD lists its apparent V magnitude as about 2.62, so it is a naked-eye star but not a first-magnitude star. [SIMBAD](https://simbad.u-strasbg.fr/simbad/sim-basic?Ident=Zubeneschamali&submit=SIMBAD+search)
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