3.31
Apparent Mag80.5
Distance (ly)A3V
Spectral Type8,630
Temperature (K)Megrez is the faintest star of the Big Dipper, connecting the bowl to the handle. Despite its dimness, it is a useful reference for measuring light pollution.
Stellar Data
Apparent Magnitude3.31
Absolute Magnitude1.39
Distance80.5 light-years
Spectral TypeA3V
Temperature8,630 K
Luminosity14 L☉
Radius1.4 R☉
Mass1.63 M☉
Right Ascension12h 15m 25.6s
Declination+57° 01′ 57.4″
ConstellationUrsa Major
Notable Facts
- Megrez is useful for gauging light pollution
- Its name means base of the tail in Arabic
- It has a dust disk detected in infrared