· · · ·

Menkar

Alpha Ceti, 92 Ceti

Proper NameMenkar
Bayer DesignationAlpha Ceti
Flamsteed Number92 Ceti
HR (BSC)911
HD18884
ConstellationCetus
Right Ascension3h 2m 17s
Declination+4° 5' 23"
Distance249 light years
76 parsecs
MagnitudeApparent: +2.5
Absolute: -1.9
Spectral ClassM1.5IIIa red giant
Optimum VisibilityNovember
NotesThough designated 'Alpha' Ceti, Menkar is actually slightly fainter than Beta Ceti, also called Dipdha or Deneb Kaitos. Like Diphda, Menkar is a variable star, in this case a pulsating red giant whose brightness changes slowly over long, irregular periods of time.

Indexes

Related Entries