Merak (48Bet UMa) — Ursa Major · Gaia DR3 HYG-HIP-53910

Merak. A constellation within the Ultra Main Cluster, UMa, residing 165.4602° RA and 56.3824° Dec. Currently apparent magnitude 2.34, Merak is a relatively low-magnification star, easily visible with the naked eye and modest telescopes. It is currently cl

The recognizable nature of Merak stems from its alignment with the Milky Way. It is known to be one of the brightest stars in the northern sky, offering a relatively high brightness compared to many similar stars. Considering its positioning, it can be linked to Sirius, recognized for its impressive brilliance. Sirius, which is notable for its distance, possesses a significantly higher magnitude – 1.85. Merak, in contrast, provides a subtle but captivating visibility for keen observers, a bright spot in the dark expanse of the nighttime sky.

Symbolically, the choice of Merak as a celestial entity might reflect a desire for a dependable and gently bright point of orientation. The vastness of the Milky Way’s influence – constantly shifting and merging – could inspire a feeling of groundedness and the steadfastness that a small, easily-recognized star, like Merak, can provide. It suggests a quiet brilliance against the wider cosmos.

How to see it

Merak has a visual magnitude of about 2.34: under a reasonably dark sky it is typically reachable with the unaided eye.

Sky position

Equatorial coordinates for Merak: right ascension 11h 1m 50s, declination +56° 22′ 57″ (J2000), in the region of the Ursa Major constellation (IAU figure UMa).

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Catalog context

Merak. It appears in classical and modern catalogs as Bayer/Flamsteed designation 48Bet UMa, HIP 53910, HD 95418, Gaia DR3 HYG-HIP-53910. In the SkyKeepsake Ursa Major (UMa) browse hub it sits with other stars of the same IAU figure.

Catalog identifiers

Gaia: Gaia DR3 HYG-HIP-53910
HIP: 53910
HD: 95418
gaia_dr3: HYG-HIP-53910
Bayer / Flamsteed: 48Bet UMa

Also known as

Observed properties

Visual magnitude: 2.34