Capella - α Aurigae (alpha Aurigae)
Capella, also designated as α Aurigae (alpha Aurigae), is a variable and multiple giant star of spectral class G5 in the constellation of Auriga.
Capella visual magnitude is 0.08, making it the 6th brightest star in the sky. Because of its brightness, Capella is clearly visible to the naked eye when observed from locations with dark skies, and should be also quite easily visible from light polluted areas.
Celestial Coordinates
Apparent
J2000
Galactic Coordinates
Finder Chart
Simplified finder chart for Capella - α Aurigae (alpha Aurigae).
Magnitude, Color, Spectral Class
The red dot in the diagram below shows where Capella is situated in the Hertzsprung–Russell diagram.
Star System Properties
Capella 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 Capella double sysyem:
Distance, Radial Speed, Proper Motion
Capella is distant 42.18 light years from the Sun and it is moving far from the Sun at the speed of 30 kilometers per second.
Alternative Designations
Visibility from Your Location
Capella - α Aurigae (alpha Aurigae) is circumpolar and transits at 05:55 UTC (altitude: 84.5°)