Dubhe, a prominent star in the Ursa Major constellation, is an Apelian star, a relatively young, stable red supergiant located approximately 22,000 light-year from our solar system. Dubhe has a magnitude of 1.81, placing it comfortably within the range of

The Recognisable Nature of Dubhe stems from its remarkable position in the constellation Ursa Minor, a belt-shaped constellation known for its distinctive, sharply defined stars. Its well-defined brightness and orientation within a particular region of the sky make it readily identifiable – a vital element of celestial mapping for generations. The star’s proximity to the center of the Ursa Minor constellation lends it prominence for millennia, and continues to warrant observations.

Dubhe serves as a potent emblem of steadfastness and quietness; it has been recognized throughout space as a beacon and anchor in the cosmic panorama. Many astronomical catalogs have highlighted Dubhe's longevity and relative stability, as it's a relatively young star still firmly established within its orbital period.

Despite its existence for some time, its current nature represents a consistent historical reference, linking a star to the patterns of galactic formation and the overall distribution of celestial bodies. Its position within a known constellation provides a natural grounding point for observers seeking knowledge about the wider celestial sphere.

How to see it

Dubhe has a visual magnitude of about 1.81: under a reasonably dark sky it is typically reachable with the unaided eye.

Sky position

Equatorial coordinates for Dubhe: right ascension 11h 3m 44s, declination +61° 45′ 4″ (J2000), in the region of the Ursa Major constellation (IAU figure UMa).

Ursa Major — Explore by constellation

Catalog context

Dubhe. It appears in classical and modern catalogs as Bayer/Flamsteed designation 50Alp UMa, HIP 54061, HD 95689, Gaia DR3 HYG-HIP-54061. 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-54061

HIP

54061

HD

95689

gaia_dr3

HYG-HIP-54061

Bayer / Flamsteed

50Alp UMa

Also known as

• 50Alp UMa
• Gaia DR3 TOP 5M HYG-HIP-54061
• HD 95689
• HIP 54061
• HYG-HIP-54061

Observed properties

Visual magnitude

1.81