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Mark Fisher
1999-2012
Capella
The Shepherdˆs Star, Alpha Aurigae, 13 Aurigae
Proper Names
  Aschere
  Capella
  The Shepherd's Star
Bayer Designation
  Alpha Aurigae
Flamsteed Number
  13 Aurigae
BSC
  1708
HD
  34029
Constellation
  Auriga
Right Ascension
  5h 16m 36s
Declination
  +45° 59' 48"
Distance
  42 light years
  13 parsecs
Magnitude
  Apparent: +0.1
  Absolute: -0.5
Spectral Class
  G5
  Yellow Giant
Optimum Visibility
  December
Capella A
A close view of Capella A, one of two yellow giants that dominate the extensive Capella system. This huge star and its companion lie at the heart of a swarm of eight or more lesser stars.

A brilliant yellow star system, the sixth brightest in the entire sky, lying in the constellation of Auriga, the Charioteer.

The Capella System
Capella is a complex system with two giant yellow stars at its heart, orbiting a common centre of gravity every 104 days. These two are not alone - they are accompanied by at least eight other stars. 		Relative Galactic Position of Capella
The Galactic position and direction of Capella relative to Earth's Sun. Note that, at this extreme scale, the two stars are effectively in the same place.
Location of Capella
Capella, the brightest star in the constellation of Auriga.
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    		•  Related Entries
  • Auriga
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