Dubhe
Product information
Description
Dubhe shines with a warm, golden-orange hue as the upper-right star in the bowl of the Big Dipper. Its clear position makes it easy to find and invaluable for locating Polaris and other constellations in the northern sky.
Additional Information
- Constellation
- Ursa Major
- Spectral Type
- K0III
- Apparent Magnitude
- 1.79
- Distance (Light Years)
- 123
- Right Ascension
- 11h 03m 43.7s
- Declination
- +61° 45′ 03″
- Solar Masses
- 4.3
- Radius (Solar)
- 27
- Temperature (Kelvin)
- 5000
- Age (Million Years)
- 300
Discovery
- Ancient Civilizations
- Greeks, Arabs, Chinese
- Historical Significance
- Dubhe has been known since antiquity and holds cultural importance in many civilizations. As one of the brightest stars in Ursa Major, it helped form the foundation of early celestial navigation and star lore.
Cultural Significance
- Mythology
- Dubhe is part of the Big Dipper asterism, which has been interpreted as a plough, ladle, or bear in different cultures. In Greek mythology, it forms part of Ursa Major, the Great Bear. In Chinese star charts, it is part of the 'Northern Dipper.'
- Navigation
- Alongside Merak, Dubhe forms one of the two 'pointer stars' that guide observers to Polaris, the North Star — making it a cornerstone of traditional navigation in the Northern Hemisphere.
- Modern Reference
- Dubhe is frequently featured in astronomy apps, books, and skywatching guides, especially those introducing beginners to the night sky through the Big Dipper.
Notable Features
- Stellar Motion
- Dubhe shows typical stellar motion and is part of a multiple-star system, including a close companion.
- Additional Fact
- Although it is the Alpha star in Ursa Major, Dubhe is not the brightest — that title belongs to Alioth. However, its role as a pointer star gives it lasting significance.
User Dedications
- Dedications
- This star has not been claimed yet. Be the first to dedicate it to someone special!