Alfirk
Also known as β Cep · HR 8238
Alfirk is a beta cep variable star in the constellation Cepheus, about 690 light-years from Earth.
Facts
| Type | Beta cep variable star (spectral type B0.5IIIs) |
|---|---|
| Constellation | Cepheus |
| Position (J2000) | 21h 28m 39s, +70° 33′ |
| Distance | 690 light-years (its light set off about 690 years ago) |
| Brightness | magnitude 3.23 (smaller is brighter; the faintest stars the eye sees are about 6) |
| Studied in | 764 scientific papers (SIMBAD) |
When and how to see it
Alfirk is highest in the sky at midnight in August. From India (about 20° N) it climbs to about 39° above the horizon; from 50° N, to about 69°. To see it you need the naked eye, even from a town.
Heights are worked out for India and for 50° N. Set your location in Settings to see them for where you are.
For tonight's best time from your own town, the darkness and the Moon, open it on the map and see its "Tonight from your location" card.
More in Cepheus
- Bow-Tie Nebula
- Cave Nebula
- Elephant's Trunk Nebula
- Garnet Star
- Iris Nebula
- RW Cephei
- VV Cephei
- Wizard Nebula
Everything in Cepheus · All 88 constellations · All sky objects
Data: SIMBAD (CDS, Strasbourg; the site's weekly copy) · Data sources & credits