1.86
Apparent Mag103.9
Distance (ly)B3V
Spectral Type15,540
Temperature (K)Alkaid is at the end of the Big Dipper's handle and the third-brightest in Ursa Major. Unlike most Big Dipper stars, it is not a member of the Ursa Major moving group.
Stellar Data
Apparent Magnitude1.86
Absolute Magnitude-0.6
Distance103.9 light-years
Spectral TypeB3V
Temperature15,540 K
Luminosity594 L☉
Radius3.4 R☉
Mass6.1 M☉
Right Ascension13h 47m 32.4s
Declination+49° 18′ 47.8″
ConstellationUrsa Major
Notable Facts
- Alkaid marks the end of the Big Dipper's handle
- Unlike most Big Dipper stars it is not part of the Ursa Major moving group
- Its name means the leader of the daughters of the bier in Arabic