"The Superba," that's how Italian astronomer Angelo Secchi named this significantly red star in the 19th century. It is a variable star that changes its brightness from 4.8mag to 6.4mag in a period of 157 days. The striking red hue can be easily seen in 50-60 mm telescopes. The unusual, dark red color of this and similar stars is a result of the presence of carbon molecules (which are abundantly present in the atmosphere) absorbing the blue light of the star.