2.37
Apparent Mag79.7
Distance (ly)A1IV
Spectral Type9,377
Temperature (K)Merak is one of the Big Dipper's pointer stars. Along with Dubhe, a line through Merak points to Polaris. Merak has a debris disk similar to Vega's.
Stellar Data
Apparent Magnitude2.37
Absolute Magnitude0.61
Distance79.7 light-years
Spectral TypeA1IV
Temperature9,377 K
Luminosity63 L☉
Radius3.021 R☉
Mass2.7 M☉
Right Ascension11h 01m 50.5s
Declination+56° 22′ 56.7″
ConstellationUrsa Major
Notable Facts
- Merak and Dubhe form the pointer stars leading to Polaris
- It has a circumstellar debris disk similar to Vega
- The name means the loins of the bear in Arabic