Algol is actually two stars. Star A is separated from star B by less than one tenth of the Earth-Sun distance, and partially eclipses every 2.9 days
© Jens Dengler, used with permission
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What's in a Name: |
Arabic for "head of the demon"
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Claim to Fame:
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Represents Medusa's eye in Perseus. A special variable
star that "winks" every 3 days. |
| Type of Star: |
Blue-white Main Sequence Star (spectral class: B8 V),
and a yellow Subgiant (spectral class: G5 IV) |
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How Far Away: |
105 light years away |
| How Bright: |
Almost 100,000 times brighter than the Sun!
(apparent magnitude: normally 2.1 Every three days it is 3.3 for approximately 10 hours) |
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Where to View: | In the constellation Perseus the Hero
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When to View: | November through March |
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