Mirfak

Mirfak (α Persei) is a yellow-white supergiant star in the constellation Perseus. With an apparent magnitude of 1.79 it is the 34th-brightest star in the night sky, and it is about 590 light-years from Earth.

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

ConstellationPerseus
Designationα Persei (Alpha Persei), HR 1017
Apparent magnitude1.79 (34th brightest)
Spectral typeF5Ib
Coloryellow-white (B−V 0.48)
Distanceabout 590 light-years
Right ascension3 h 24.3 min
Declination+49.86°
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 Mirfak

Mirfak is in Perseus. From 40° N it is highest in the north in December evenings, about 80° above the horizon. From 35° S it reaches about 5° in the north. Nearby bright stars: Algol (9° away), Almach (16° away) and Capella (19° away).

Perseus constellation →

Other named stars in Perseus

AlgolMiramMisamAtikMenkib

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