Phecda

Phecda (γ Ursae Majoris) is a white star in the constellation Ursa Major. With an apparent magnitude of 2.44 it is the 86th-brightest star in the night sky, and it is about 111 light-years from Earth.

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

ConstellationUrsa Major
Designationγ Ursae Majoris (Gamma Ursae Majoris), HR 4554
Apparent magnitude2.44 (86th brightest)
Spectral typeA0Ve
Colorwhite (B−V 0.00)
Distanceabout 111 light-years
Right ascension11 h 53.8 min
Declination+53.69°
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 Phecda

Phecda is in Ursa Major. From 40° N it never sets; it is highest in the north, about 76° up. From 35° S it reaches about 1° in the north. Nearby bright stars: Merak (8° away), Alioth (9° away) and Dubhe (10° away).

Ursa Major constellation →

Other named stars in Ursa Major

AliothDubheAlkaidMizarMerakTania AustralisTalithaMegrezMuscidaTania BorealisAlula BorealisAlkaphrahTaiyangshouAlcorAlula Australis

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