Merak

Merak (β Ursae Majoris) is a white main-sequence star in the constellation Ursa Major. With an apparent magnitude of 2.37 it is the 80th-brightest star in the night sky, and it is about 97 light-years from Earth.

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

ConstellationUrsa Major
Designationβ Ursae Majoris (Beta Ursae Majoris), HR 4295
Apparent magnitude2.37 (80th brightest)
Spectral typeA1V
Colorwhite (B−V -0.02)
Distanceabout 97 light-years
Right ascension11 h 1.8 min
Declination+56.38°
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 Merak

Merak 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: Dubhe (5° away), Phecda (8° away) and Alioth (16° away).

Ursa Major constellation →

Other named stars in Ursa Major

AliothDubheAlkaidMizarPhecdaTania AustralisTalithaMegrezMuscidaTania BorealisAlula BorealisAlkaphrahTaiyangshouAlcorAlula Australis

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