Gamma² Normae

When the constellation of Norma was first defined, it contained two stars to the north of the main quadrangle shape that makes up the body of the constellation, designated Alpha and Beta Normae. As the boundaries of the constellations were redefined, these two stars were incorporated into neighbouring Scorpius (as N Scorpii and H Scorpii, respectively), leaving Gamma² as the brightest star remaining within the borders of Norma.

Gamma² Normae is part of an optical double, hence the '2' in its designation. Its partner, the fainter Gamma¹, lies roughly half a degree to the west in the sky, but in reality is more than ten times farther from Earth. Gamma² is about 129 light years from the Solar System, while Gamma¹ is more than 1,400 light years away. Physically Gamma² is a yellow star of the Giant class.