Star profile
Alpheratz
Alpha Andromedae · Andromeda
Variable starWhat is Alpheratz
Alpheratz closes the chain of Andromeda and opens the Square of Pegasus, an astronomical hinge linking princess and winged horse. Its name, from the Arabic «al-faras», recalls that ancient double belonging. A blue-white B-class star, mildly variable and chemically peculiar, it carries unusual concentrations of mercury and manganese that betray strange atmospheric processes 97 light years from the Sun.
Where it is and when to see it
Alpheratz lies in the northern celestial hemisphere. It is visible to the naked eye under a dark sky. Its best month of the year is October, when it culminates around midnight.
- From London it culminates about 68° above the horizon.
- From New York it culminates about 78° above the horizon.
- From Sydney it culminates about 27° above the horizon.
It can be seen from anywhere north of 61° S.
It is the brightest of the 81 stars of Andromeda in our catalogue, which makes it the best starting point for finding your way around the constellation.
The light you see today left it about 97 years ago.
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A public signature from a real person. The chosen name is a symbolic denomination within Stelvia, with no official standing or IAU recognition: the sky is not for sale and belongs to no one.
Astronomical data for Alpheratz
- Constellation
- Andromeda
- Apparent magnitude
- 2.07
- Distance
- 97.0 light years
- Coordinates (J2000)
- RA 2.097° · Dec 29.090°
- Catalogue
- HIP 677 · HD 358
A symbolic commemorative gift: neither the signature nor the chosen name implies ownership of the star or recognition by the IAU.
Other stars in Andromeda
Andromeda has 81 stars in Stelvia's catalogue. Here are a few of them.
- MirachBeta Andromedae2.07
- AlmachGamma 1 Andromedae2.10
- Delta Andromedae3.27
- Nembus3.59
- Omicron Andromedae3.62
- Lambda Andromedae3.81
- Mu Andromedae3.86
- Zeta Andromedae4.08