description Alphecca Overview
Alphecca, formally Alpha Coronae Borealis, is the brightest star in Corona Borealis, the Northern Crown, and lies about 75 light-years from the Sun. It is an eclipsing spectroscopic binary whose two stars orbit closely enough that the system periodically changes brightness when one component passes in front of the other. The dominant component is an A-type main-sequence star, and the system marks the brightest point in the constellation's distinctive semicircular pattern.
help Alphecca FAQ
What constellation contains the star Alphecca?
Alphecca is the brightest star in the northern constellation of Corona Borealis, which is commonly known as the Northern Crown. Its formal astronomical designation is Alpha Coronae Borealis.
How far away is the star Alphecca from Earth?
Alphecca is located approximately 75 light-years away from the Sun. Its relative proximity allows it to be easily observed from Earth without the need for a telescope.
Is Alphecca a single star?
No, Alphecca is actually an eclipsing spectroscopic binary system composed of two stars orbiting very closely together. The gravitational interaction of these two stars causes the overall brightness of the system to periodically change.
What is the apparent magnitude of Alphecca?
Alphecca has an apparent visual magnitude that fluctuates around 2.2 due to its binary nature. This significant level of luminosity makes it the undisputed brightest star within the Corona Borealis constellation.
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