The stellar classification of HD 146389 is F8,[3] which is an F-type star of uncertain luminosity class. The age of the star is uncertain. It shows a low lithium abundance, which suggests an age of more than 5 billion years. However, the rotation rate indicates an age closer to one billion.[2] The study in 2015 utilizing Chandra X-ray Observatory, have failed to detect any X-ray emissions from the star during planetary eclipse, which may indicate an unusually low coronal activity or the presence of absorbing gas ring formed by atmosphere escaping planet WASP-38 b.[10] The star is 33% larger and 20% more massive than the Sun.[4] It is radiating nearly three[1] times the luminosity of the Sun at an effective temperature of 6,150 K.[4]
Planetary system
The "hot Jupiter" class planet WASP-38 b, later named 'Iztok', was discovered around HD 146389 in 2010.[2] The planet is losing significant amount of gas, estimated to 0.023 Earth masses per billion years.[3] In 2013, it was found the planetary orbit is surprisingly well aligned with the rotational axis of the parent star, despite the noticeable orbital eccentricity.[11][4]
A 2012 study, utilizing a Rossiter–McLaughlin effect, have determined the orbital plane of WASP-38b is poorly constrained but probably aligned with the equatorial plane of the star, misalignment equal to 15+33 −43°.[12]
