Beta Ursae Majoris

Beta Ursae Majoris (β UMa/β Ursae Majoris) is a star in the Constellation of the Grande Ourse. It is also called by its traditional name, Merak .

It is more familiar with the observers of the northern hemisphere as being one of “stars of pointing” of the Chariot: to prolong an imaginary line between Merak and the close star Dubhe indeed makes it possible to find the position of pole star (α Ursae Minoris). It is also one of five stars of the Astérisme of the Chariot which constitutes part of a cluster releases called the Courant of stars of Large Ourse, sharing the same zone of space and not only the same zone of the sky observed.

For the stars which are of the same type that Merak, the latter is a typical star in Diagramme of Hertzsprung-Russell, although it is slightly hotter, larger, and much more brilliant than our Sun. It is different owing to the fact that the star is surrounded by a disc of dust, nearer than that discovered around Fomalhaut and more especially close to Véga. No Planet revolving around Merak was discovered but the presence of dust indicates that there could be one, or at least, which would be being formed.

Its name is derived from the Arab maraqq , meaning “spine” (bear).

Designations

See too

  • List of stars of Large Ourse

External bond

  • Beta Ursae Majoris on [[Simbad].]

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