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Merak

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description Merak Overview

Merak, designated Beta Ursae Majoris, is a white main-sequence star of spectral type A1IV–V located approximately 79 light-years from the Sun in the constellation Ursa Major. It is one of the seven stars that form the Big Dipper asterism and, together with Dubhe (Alpha Ursae Majoris), serves as one of the two 'pointer stars' used to locate Polaris—the line drawn from Merak through Dubhe extends toward the north celestial pole. Merak has an apparent visual magnitude of approximately 2.37 and is estimated to be around 500 million years old. An infrared excess has been detected around the star, indicating the presence of a circumstellar debris disk.

help Merak FAQ

How do you use Merak to find Polaris?

Merak (Beta Ursae Majoris) and Dubhe (Alpha Ursae Majoris) form the two "pointer stars" at the outer edge of the Big Dipper's bowl. By drawing an imaginary line from Merak through Dubhe and extending it about five times the distance between the two stars, observers reach Polaris, the North Star.

How far away is Merak from Earth?

Merak is located approximately 79 light-years from Earth in the constellation Ursa Major. It is a white main-sequence star of spectral type A1V, making it significantly hotter and more luminous than the Sun.

Is Merak part of the Big Dipper?

Yes, Merak is one of the seven stars that form the Big Dipper asterism, marking the lower-right corner of the bowl. The Big Dipper itself is part of the larger constellation Ursa Major, the Great Bear.

What type of star is Merak?

Merak is a white main-sequence star classified as spectral type A1, with a surface temperature of around 9,300 Kelvin. It is roughly 2.7 times the mass of the Sun and about 68 times more luminous, consistent with its A-type classification.

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