Mizar and Alcor (Mizar)

Mizar and Alcor (Mizar) is a double star in the constellation Ursa Major, magnitude 2.2.

The famous double in the handle of the Big Dipper; together with Alcor it forms a sextuple star system. Mizar A and B (magnitudes 2.2 and 3.9) lie 14.4″ apart at PA 153° (measured 2022). Alcor (magnitude 4.0) lies 715.5″ (11.9′) from Mizar, an easy naked-eye pair.

When and where to see it

It is best placed in the evening sky around May, when it crosses the meridian at about 10 pm local time (around midnight in April). It can be seen from everywhere north of 35°S and never sets north of 35°N.

At its highest it stands 85° up from 50°N, 70° up from 35°N, 35° up from the equator, 0° up from 35°S.

Facts

Type

Double star

Constellation

Ursa Major

Designations

Mizar, Alcor, ζ UMa, Zeta Ursae Majoris, g UMa, g Ursae Majoris, 79 UMa, 79 Ursae Majoris, 80 UMa, 80 Ursae Majoris, STF 1744, HIP 65378

Magnitude

2.2

Position

RA 13h 23.9m, Dec +54° 55′ (J2000)

Open AstroPilot to see when Mizar and Alcor (Mizar) is highest tonight from your location, how easy it is with your telescope or binoculars, and an eyepiece view.