Dubhe

Dubhe (α Ursae Majoris) is a orange supergiant star in the constellation Ursa Major. With an apparent magnitude of 1.79 it is the 35th-brightest star in the night sky, and it is about 123 light-years from Earth.

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

ConstellationUrsa Major
Designationα Ursae Majoris (Alpha Ursae Majoris), HR 4301
Apparent magnitude1.79 (35th brightest)
Spectral typeK0IIIa
Colororange (B−V 1.07)
Distanceabout 123 light-years
Right ascension11 h 3.7 min
Declination+61.75°
Best monthApril (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 Dubhe

Dubhe is in Ursa Major. From 40° N it never sets; it is highest in the north, about 68° up. From 35° S it stays below the horizon. Nearby bright stars: Merak (5° away), Phecda (10° away) and Alioth (15° away).

Ursa Major constellation →

Other named stars in Ursa Major

AliothAlkaidMizarMerakPhecdaTania AustralisTalithaMegrezMuscidaTania BorealisAlula BorealisAlkaphrahTaiyangshouAlcorAlula Australis

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