Dubhe - α Ursae Majoris (alpha Ursae Majoris)
Dubhe, also designated as α Ursae Majoris (alpha Ursae Majoris), is a variable and double hypergiant star of spectral class K0 in the constellation of Ursa Major.
Dubhe visual magnitude is 1.79, making it the 33th brightest star in the sky. Because of its brightness, Dubhe 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
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Finder chart for Dubhe - α Ursae Majoris (alpha Ursae Majoris).
Magnitude, Color, Spectral Class
The red dot in the diagram below shows where Dubhe is situated in the Hertzsprung–Russell diagram.
Star System Properties
Dubhe 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 Dubhe double sysyem:
Distance, Radial Speed, Proper Motion
Dubhe is distant 123.58 light years from the Sun and it is moving towards the Sun at the speed of 9 kilometers per second.
Alternative Designations
Visibility from Your Location
Dubhe - α Ursae Majoris (alpha Ursae Majoris) is circumpolar and transits at 01:24 UTC (altitude: 79.9°)