Cep 3.195
In the grand scheme of the night sky, Alfirk distinguishes itself through its prominent position and steady luminosity. Its recognition stems largely from Sirius, which is, of course, the brightest star visible in the night sky. The apparent brightness of Alfirk, at 3.195, puts it within a comfortably noticeable cluster within the Cepheus constellation. Its location isn’t noteworthy due to the constellation’s relatively quiescent nature, suggesting little dramatic movement – this contributes to its subtle visual presence against a darker galactic canvas.
The choice of Alfirk to become a symbolically significant designation might subtly hint at something timeless – perhaps a foundational element or guiding star. In a sense, its unassuming magnitude doesn't suggest extraordinary power, merely an enduring, consistent radiance in the cosmic expanse. It speaks, perhaps, of the possibility of lasting illumination, of a presence that persists through time.
How to see it
Alfirk has a visual magnitude of about 3.19: under a reasonably dark sky it is typically reachable with the unaided eye.
Sky position
Equatorial coordinates for Alfirk: right ascension 21h 28m 40s, declination +70° 33′ 39″ (J2000), in the region of the Cepheus constellation (IAU figure Cep).
Catalog context
Alfirk. It appears in classical and modern catalogs as Bayer/Flamsteed designation 8Bet Cep, HIP 106032, HD 205021, Gaia DR3 2272185759996420992. In the SkyKeepsake Cepheus (Cep) browse hub it sits with other stars of the same IAU figure.
Catalog identifiers
- Gaia
- Gaia DR3 2272185759996420992
- HIP
- 106032
- HD
- 205021
- gaia_dr3
- 2272185759996420992
- Bayer / Flamsteed
- 8Bet Cep
Observed properties
- Visual magnitude
- 3.19