Algol - β Persei (beta Persei)
Algol, also designated as β Persei (beta Persei), is a variable and multiple main-sequence star in the constellation of Perseus.
Algol visual magnitude is 2.12, making it the 61th brightest star in the sky. Thanks to its high brightness, Algol is clearly visible when observed from locations with dark skies, and should be also quite easily visible from light polluted areas.
The proper motion of Algol is 0.004 arcsec per year in Right Ascension and -0.001 arcsec per year in Declination and the associated displacement for the next 100000 years is represented with the red arrow.
Key facts about Algol
Algol - β Persei (beta Persei) is above the horizon from Greenwich, United Kingdom.
Altitude: 11.4°
Azimuth: 325.2°
Direction: North-West
Celestial coordinates and finder chart of Algol
Algol is situated north of the celestial equator, as such, it is more easily visible from the northern hemisphere. Celestial coordinates for the J2000 equinox as well as galactic coordinates of Algol are provided in the following table:
The simplified sky map below shows the position of Algol in the sky:
Visibility of Algol from your location
Location: Greenwich, United Kingdom
Latitude: 51° 28’ 47” N
Longitude: 0° 00’ 00” E
Timezone: Europe/London
Algol - β Persei (beta Persei) is circumpolar and transits at 12:04 UTC (altitude: 79.5°)
Distance of Algol from the Sun and relative movement
Algol is distant 92.77 light years from the Sun and it is moving far from the Sun at the speed of 4 kilometers per second.
Spectral properties of Algol
Algol belongs to spectral class B8 and has a luminosity class of V corresponding to a main-sequence star.
The red dot in the diagram below shows where Algol is situated in the Hertzsprung–Russell diagram.
Algol star system properties
Algol is a visual double star which can be observed only with the help of very large telescopes. The table below shows key information about the Algol double sysyem: