2.53
Apparent Mag249
Distance (ly)M1.5IIIa
Spectral Type3,795
Temperature (K)Alpha Ceti, also known as Menkar, is a red giant in the head of the Whale.
Stellar Data
Apparent Magnitude2.53
Absolute Magnitude-1.61
Distance249 light-years
Spectral TypeM1.5IIIa
Temperature3,795 K
Luminosity1,455 L☉
Radius89 R☉
Mass2.3 M☉
Right Ascension03h 02m 16.8s
Declination+04° 05′ 23.1″
ConstellationCetus
Notable Facts
- Menkar means nostril in Arabic
- Despite being Alpha Ceti, it is dimmer than Beta Ceti
- The star is an evolved M-type giant