1.98
Apparent Mag433
Distance (ly)F7Ib
Spectral Type6,015
Temperature (K)Polaris, the North Star, is the brightest star in Ursa Minor and currently the closest bright star to the north celestial pole. It is a Cepheid variable and a triple star system used for navigation for centuries.
Stellar Data
Apparent Magnitude1.98
Absolute Magnitude-3.64
Distance433 light-years
Spectral TypeF7Ib
Temperature6,015 K
Luminosity1,260 L☉
Radius37.5 R☉
Mass5.4 M☉
Right Ascension02h 31m 49.1s
Declination+89° 15′ 50.8″
ConstellationUrsa Minor
Notable Facts
- Polaris is less than 1 degree from the north celestial pole
- It is a Cepheid variable whose pulsations have been decreasing over time
- Polaris is a triple star system with two known companions