Merak - β Ursae Majoris (beta Ursae Majoris)
Merak, also designated as β Ursae Majoris (beta Ursae Majoris), is a variable main-sequence star of spectral class A1 in the constellation of Ursa Major.
Merak visual magnitude is 2.37, making it the 79th brightest star in the sky. Because of its brightness, Merak 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
Magnitude, Color, Spectral Class
The red dot in the diagram below shows where Merak is situated in the Hertzsprung–Russell diagram.
Distance, Radial Speed, Proper Motion
Merak is distant 79.38 light years from the Sun and it is moving towards the Sun at the speed of 12 kilometers per second.
Alternative Designations
Visibility from Your Location
Merak - β Ursae Majoris (beta Ursae Majoris) is circumpolar and transits at 19:04 UTC (altitude: 85.2°)