Lambda Andromedae

Lambda Andromedae, Latinized from λ Andromedae, is the Bayer designation for a binary star system in the northern constellation of Andromeda. At an estimated distance of approximately 84.6 ly from Earth, it has an apparent visual magnitude of +3.8. This is bright enough to be seen with the naked eye. The system is drifting further away from the Sun with a radial velocity of +6.8 km/s.

Properties
Lambda Andromedae is a single-lined spectroscopic binary with an orbital period of 20.5212 days. The spectrum of the primary matches a stellar classification of G8 III-IV, suggesting that it is an evolved star that lies part way between the subgiant and giant stages. The mass of this star is similar to the Sun, but it has expanded to around seven times the Sun's radius. It is radiating over 28 times the luminosity of the Sun from its outer envelope at an effective temperature of 4,800 K, giving it the characteristic yellow hue of a G-type star.

This is an RS Canum Venaticorum variable and its brightness varies by 0.225 magnitudes, reaching a maximum of 3.70, with a period of 53.952 days. The companion is a low-mass star with a mass of. Such variability is theorized to occur because of tidal friction, which results in chromospheric activity. However, the orbit of this system is nearly circular, so the cause of this system's variability remains uncertain. The X-ray luminosity of this star, as measured by the ROSAT satellite, is 2.95 × 1030 erg s−1. A magnetic field with an average strength of $159.606$ has been detected on this star, which is stronger than the field on the Sun.

Naming
In Chinese, 螣蛇 (Téng Shé), meaning Flying Serpent, refers to an asterism consisting of λ Andromedae, α Lacertae, 4 Lacertae, π2 Cygni, π1 Cygni, HD 206267, ε Cephei, β Lacertae, σ Cassiopeiae, ρ Cassiopeiae, τ Cassiopeiae, AR Cassiopeiae, 9 Lacertae, 3 Andromedae, 7 Andromedae, 8 Andromedae, κ Andromedae, ι Andromedae, and ψ Andromedae. Consequently, the Chinese name for λ Andromedae itself is 螣蛇十九 (Téng Shé shíjiǔ, the Nineteenth Star of Flying Serpent).

Evolution
Many different spectral classes have been published for λ Andromedae, ranging from G6 to K1. Most sources give a luminosity class of III (giant) or IV (subgiant). Analysis of the physical properties of the star, including its temperature, luminosity, magnetic field, and stellar wind, show that it has recently experienced the first dredge-up and has begun to ascend the red giant branch although it still has a hot corona and is classified as a subgiant by some definitions.