Mighty Star Merak in Ursa Major

Mighty Star Merak in Ursa Major

Astrophotographer Greg Parker: "Front and center here is the bright star Merak in the asterism of the Big Dipper—in the constellation of Ursa Major. It’s one of the Dipper’s pointer stars, showing the way to the North Star. Some 80 light years from us, Merak is the 2nd brightest star in Ursa Major. Compared to the Sun, it’s nearly 3 times as big, but owing to its considerably greater luminosity, it’s much brighter than our home star. Note that to the right of Merak, just below a bright orange star, 'Broken Engagement Ring' is another asterism."

Image Credit: Greg Parker  

Caption Credit: Greg Parker, Jim Foster  

Location: New Forest Observatory in Hampshire, England, UK Coordinates: 51.063202, -1.308000

Release Date: Dec. 27, 2023

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