T Lyrae, seen near the center of the field here, is an extremely red carbon variable star in the constellation of Lyra. It can vary in magnitude from 7.84 to 9.6 and has a spectral type of C8. It is located at a distance of 2,064 light-years with an uncertainty of +/- 664 light-years.

A carbon star is a red-giant star that has more carbon in its atmosphere than a normal red-giant star. This carbon absorbs much of the blue light from the star. These stars are a real treat to observe as they appear very red.

T Lyrae is easy to find because it is located close to Vega. It is just a little farther than the distance to Epsilon Lyrae, 2 degrees, but in the south-southwest direction, opposite from Epsilon Lyrae.

North is to the left in the above image.

T Lyrae Catalogs: T Lyrae TYC 2636-1142-1 HIP 90883 BD +36 3168 Common Name: T Lyrae Object Type: Carbon Star Magnitude: 7.84 to 9.6 Constellation: Lyra Image Field Centered At: RA: 18h 32m 20s Dec: +36° 59' 10"