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Ursa Major
Merak
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What's in a Name: |
Arabic for the "flank" of the Bear.
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Claim to Fame:
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One of the famous Pointer stars that point to the North Star. |
| Type of Star: |
White Main Sequence |
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How Far Away: |
62 light years away |
| How Bright: |
About 50 times brighter than the Sun |
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Where to View: | In the constellation Ursa Major.
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When to View: | All year round in the Northern Hemisphere |
Merak is called a Pointer star because it points to the North Star, Polaris. Start with Merak's neighbor, Dubhe, and draw an imaginary line through Merak. Continue the line north and you will reach Polaris.
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