Alioth

Alioth (ε Ursae Majoris) is a white star in the constellation Ursa Major. With an apparent magnitude of 1.77 it is the 32nd-brightest star in the night sky, and it is about 79 light-years from Earth.

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

ConstellationUrsa Major
Designationε Ursae Majoris (Epsilon Ursae Majoris), HR 4905
Apparent magnitude1.77 (32nd brightest)
Spectral typeA0pCr
Colorwhite (B−V -0.02)
Distanceabout 79 light-years
Right ascension12 h 54.0 min
Declination+55.96°
Best monthMay (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 Alioth

Alioth is in Ursa Major. From 40° N it never sets; it is highest in the north, about 74° up. From 35° S it stays below the horizon. Nearby bright stars: Mizar (4° away), Phecda (9° away) and Alkaid (10° away).

Ursa Major constellation →

Other named stars in Ursa Major

DubheAlkaidMizarMerakPhecdaTania AustralisTalithaMegrezMuscidaTania BorealisAlula BorealisAlkaphrahTaiyangshouAlcorAlula Australis

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