Mirfak
Also known as α Per · HR 1017
Mirfak is a variable star in the constellation Perseus, about 510 light-years from Earth.
Facts
| Type | Variable star (spectral type F5Ib) |
|---|---|
| Constellation | Perseus |
| Position (J2000) | 3h 24m 19s, +49° 51′ |
| Distance | 510 light-years (its light set off about 510 years ago) |
| Brightness | magnitude 1.79 (smaller is brighter; the faintest stars the eye sees are about 6) |
| Studied in | 872 scientific papers (SIMBAD) |
When and how to see it
Mirfak is highest in the sky at midnight in November. From India (about 20° N) it climbs to about 60° above the horizon; from 50° N, to about 90°. 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 Perseus
- Alpha Persei Cluster
- California Nebula
- Double Cluster
- Little Dumbbell Nebula (M76)
- M34 (NGC 1039)
- NGC 1277
- Perseus A (NGC 1275)
- Perseus Cluster
Everything in Perseus · All 88 constellations · All sky objects
Data: SIMBAD (CDS, Strasbourg; the site's weekly copy) · Data sources & credits