Kochab

Kochab (β Ursae Minoris) is a orange giant star in the constellation Ursa Minor. With an apparent magnitude of 2.08 it is the 59th-brightest star in the night sky, and it is about 131 light-years from Earth.

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

ConstellationUrsa Minor
Designationβ Ursae Minoris (Beta Ursae Minoris), HR 5563
Apparent magnitude2.08 (59th brightest)
Spectral typeK4-III
Colororange (B−V 1.47)
Distanceabout 131 light-years
Right ascension14 h 50.7 min
Declination+74.16°
Best monthJune (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 Kochab

Kochab is in Ursa Minor. From 40° N it never sets; it is highest in the north, about 56° up. From 35° S it stays below the horizon. Nearby bright stars: Polaris (17° away), Mizar (21° away) and Alioth (21° away).

Ursa Minor constellation →

Other named stars in Ursa Minor

PolarisPherkadYildun

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