Achernar

Alpha Eridani

Eridanus

0.46
Apparent Mag
139
Distance (ly)
B6Vep
Spectral Type
14,500
Temperature (K)

Achernar is the brightest star in Eridanus and the ninth-brightest in the night sky. It is one of the flattest stars known due to rapid rotation, with its equatorial diameter over 50% larger than its polar diameter.

Stellar Data

Apparent Magnitude0.46
Absolute Magnitude-2.77
Distance139 light-years
Spectral TypeB6Vep
Temperature14,500 K
Luminosity3,150 L☉
Radius7.3 R☉
Mass6.7 M☉
Right Ascension01h 37m 42.8s
Declination-57° 14′ 12.3″
ConstellationEridanus

Notable Facts

  • Achernar is one of the most oblate stars known, flattened by rapid rotation
  • Its name comes from Arabic meaning end of the river
  • It spins at over 250 km/s at the equator

More Stars in Eridanus

View constellation
Acamar
Theta Eridani
Epsilon Eridani
40 Eridani
Cursa
Zaurak
Brightest StarsNearest StarsAll Stars