Mirfak (α Persei) is the brightest star in the constellation Perseus. It is about 500 light-years (ly) away and has an apparent magnitude of about 1.8 mag, making it one of the 50 brightest stars in the night sky.
Mirfak (α Persei) is easily found in the sky by extending the second line of the letter W, formed by the constellation Cassiopeia, about fivefold beyond the star δ Cassiopeiae, which forms the first angle of the W.
| Mirfak | |
|---|---|
| Constellation | Perseus |
| Right ascension | 03h 24m 19.37s |
| Declination | +49° 51′ 40.3″ |
| Apparent magnitude | 1.79 mag |
| Distance | (506 ± 13) ly |
| Bayer designation | α Persei |
| Bright Star Catalogue | HR 1017 |
| Hipparcos Catalogue | HIP 15863 |
| SAO Catalogue | SAO 38787 |
