The
spectrum of Beta Columbae matches a
stellar classification of K1 IIICN+1, where the 'III'
luminosity class indicates this is a
giant star that has exhausted the supply of hydrogen at its core and
evolved away from the
main sequence of stars like the Sun. The notation 'CN+1' indicates a higher than normal level of
cyanogen (CN) absorption in the atmosphere of the star. The
interferometry-measured
angular diameter of this star, after correcting for
limb darkening, is , which, at its estimated distance, equates to a physical radius of about 11.5 times the
radius of the Sun. Despite having expanded to this radius, Beta Columbae only has about a 10% greater mass than the Sun. The outer envelope of this star is radiating energy at an
effective temperature of 4,545 K, resulting an orange hue that is typical of a cool, K-type star. Beta Columbae has a high
proper motion across the
celestial sphere and is moving at an unusually large speed of relative to the
Sun. About 107,200 years ago, it made a close approach to the
Beta Pictoris system. The estimated separation of the two stars at this time was around and Beta Columbae may have perturbed outlying
planetesimals within the
debris disk surrounding Beta Pictoris. ==References==