Algol

Algol (β Persei) is a blue-white main-sequence star in the constellation Perseus. With an apparent magnitude of 2.12 it is the 61st-brightest star in the night sky, and it is about 93 light-years from Earth.

Finder chart showing where Algol is in the constellation Perseus
Algol (circled) in Perseus, with the surrounding constellations and bright stars.
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Facts

ConstellationPerseus
Designationβ Persei (Beta Persei), HR 936
Apparent magnitude2.12 (61st brightest)
Spectral typeB8V
Colorblue-white (B−V -0.05)
Distanceabout 93 light-years
Right ascension3 h 8.2 min
Declination+40.96°
Best monthDecember (at about 9 pm)

Sources: star positions, magnitudes and colors from the Yale Bright Star Catalogue; constellation boundaries and star names from the IAU; areas and distances from Wikidata; stick figures by M. van der Sluys. How the maps are made.

How to find Algol

Algol is in Perseus. From 40° N it is highest in the north in December evenings, about 89° above the horizon. From 35° S it reaches about 14° in the north. Nearby bright stars: Mirfak (9° away), Almach (12° away) and Hamal (22° away).

Perseus constellation →

Other named stars in Perseus

MirfakMiramMisamAtikMenkib

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