Sections

Catalogues

Tools and Links

Galactic Map

Show the direction and distance to this object on the Galactic Map.

Merak

Beta Ursae Majoris, 48 Ursae Majoris

White Star in Ursa Major

Show on Sky Map

Proper Name	Merak
Bayer Designation	Beta Ursae Majoris
Flamsteed Number	48 Ursae Majoris
HR (BSC)	4295
HD	95418
Constellation	Ursa Major
Right Ascension	11h 1m 50s
Declination	+56° 22' 57"
Distance	80 light years 24 parsecs
Magnitude	Apparent: +2.3 Absolute: +0.4
Spectral Class	A1V white main sequence star
Optimum Visibility	March (Usually visible from northern latitudes)
Notes	Merak is a luminous white star possessing an extensive system of dusty rings extending out for several Astronomical Units from the star itself. With Dubhe, it forms the 'Pointers' that show the way towards Polaris at the Northern Celestial Pole.

The galactic position and direction of Merak relative to Earth's Sun. Note that, at this extreme scale, the two stars are effectively in the same place.

A star made especially prominent by its membership of the formation known as the Plough or Big Dipper. With Dubhe, it forms the two Pointers to the Pole Star, Polaris.

Indexes

Related Entries

v2.1g