abbreviated Lambda Her, λ Her), formally named Maasym /ˈmeɪəsɪm/,[11] is a star in the constellation of Hercules.
[13] Consequently, the Chinese name for Lambda Herculis itself is 天市左垣二 (Tiān Shì Zuǒ Yuán èr, English: the Second Star of Left Wall of Heavenly Market Enclosure), and represents the state Zhao (or Chaou (趙)),[14][15] together with 26 Capricorni and 27 Capricorni ("m Capricorni" in R.H.Allen version[16]) in Twelve States (asterism).
It has been listed as a standard star for the spectral class spectral class K3.5III,[3] indicating that it is a red giant with a temperature of about 4,000 K. Visually it has an absolute magnitude of −0.86, meaning it is nearly 200 times brighter than the sun, but its bolometric luminosity across all wavelengths is over 400 L☉.
[8] In 1783, English-German astronomer William Herschel described the solar apex, the point in sky towards which the Solar System is moving; using data from double stars, he identified this position as close to Lambda Herculis.
Today it is known the solar apex is not so close to this star, however it is only 10° away from the position currently accepted (in Hercules, southwest of Vega).