Thuban
Alpha Draconis, 11 Draconis
Proper Name
  Thuban
Bayer Designation
  Alpha Draconis
Flamsteed Number
  11 Draconis
BSC
  5291
HD
  123299
Constellation
  Draco
Right Ascension
  14h 4m 24s
Declination
  +64° 23' 1"
Distance
  309 light years
  95 parsecs
Magnitude
  Apparent: +3.7
  Absolute: -1.2
Spectral Class
  A0
  White Giant
Optimum Visibility
  April/May
Though only of magnitude 3.7, and by no means the brightest star in its constellation, Thuban is nonetheless designated Alpha Draconis. Location of Thuban
Though it is a faint star in a sparse region of the sky, Thuban is not difficult to locate. It lies halfway between the 'bowl' of the Little Dipper, and the 'handle' of the Big Dipper.
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