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Schedar

Schedir, Shedir, Alpha Cassiopeiae, 18 Cassiopeiae

Proper NamesSchedir, Schedar, Shedir
Bayer DesignationAlpha Cassiopeiae
Flamsteed Number18 Cassiopeiae
HR (BSC)168
HD3712
ConstellationCassiopeia
Right Ascension0h 40m 30s
Declination+56° 32' 14"
Distance228 light years
70 parsecs
MagnitudeApparent: +2.3
Absolute: -2.0
Spectral ClassK0-IIIa orange giant
Optimum VisibilityOctober (Usually visible from northern latitudes)
NotesAn evolved orange giant star in the later stages of its life, Schedar has expanded to reach a diameter more than forty times that of the Sun. Historically this star was recorded as varying considerably in brightness, but this variability has not been observed in modern times.

One of the five stars that form the famous 'W' of Cassiopeia. Though it is designated 'Alpha', it is not in fact the brightest of the five - that distinction belongs to neighbouring Cih.

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