Mirzam
Also known as β CMa · HR 2294
Mirzam is a beta cep variable star in the constellation Canis Major, about 490 light-years from Earth.
Facts
| Type | Beta cep variable star (spectral type B1II-III) |
|---|---|
| Constellation | Canis Major |
| Position (J2000) | 6h 22m 41s, −17° 57′ |
| Distance | 490 light-years (its light set off about 490 years ago) |
| Brightness | magnitude 1.97 (smaller is brighter; the faintest stars the eye sees are about 6) |
| Studied in | 750 scientific papers (SIMBAD) |
When and how to see it
Mirzam is highest in the sky at midnight in December. From India (about 20° N) it climbs to about 52° above the horizon; from 50° N, to about 22°. 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 Canis Major
- Adhara
- Canis Major Dwarf Galaxy
- Caroline's Cluster (NGC 2360)
- M41 (NGC 2287)
- Sirius
- Thor's Helmet
- VY Canis Majoris
- Wezen
Everything in Canis Major · All 88 constellations · All sky objects
Data: SIMBAD (CDS, Strasbourg; the site's weekly copy) · Data sources & credits