Mizar

Zeta Ursae Majoris

Ursa Major

2.04
Apparent Mag
78
Distance (ly)
A2V
Spectral Type
9,000
Temperature (K)

Mizar is the middle star of the Big Dipper's handle and forms a famous visual double with Alcor. It was the first telescopic double star discovered and the first spectroscopic binary identified.

Stellar Data

Apparent Magnitude2.04
Absolute Magnitude0.33
Distance78 light-years
Spectral TypeA2V
Temperature9,000 K
Luminosity71 L☉
Radius2.4 R☉
Mass2.2 M☉
Right Ascension13h 23m 55.5s
Declination+54° 55′ 31.3″
ConstellationUrsa Major

Notable Facts

  • Mizar was the first double star resolved through a telescope in 1617
  • It was the first spectroscopic binary discovered in 1889
  • Mizar and Alcor together form a sextuple star system

More Stars in Ursa Major

View constellation
Dubhe
Alioth
Alkaid
Merak
Alcor
Phecda
Brightest StarsNearest StarsAll Stars