description Pherkad Overview
Pherkad, or Gamma Ursae Minoris, is a naked-eye star in the northern constellation Ursa Minor. It is a white A-type giant and, with Kochab, forms the pair at the outer end of the Little Dipper's bowl, an easily recognized part of the constellation. Pherkad has an apparent visual magnitude of about 3 and lies roughly 487 light-years from the Sun, so it is visible without optical aid but is not the North Star.
help Pherkad FAQ
What is Pherkad?
Pherkad is the common name for Gamma Ursae Minoris, a naked-eye star in the constellation Ursa Minor. It is part of the recognizable Little Dipper pattern.
Where is Pherkad in the Little Dipper?
Pherkad and Kochab form the pair at the outer end of the Little Dipper’s bowl. This makes the two stars useful landmarks when identifying Ursa Minor.
What kind of star is Pherkad?
Pherkad is a white A-type giant. Its apparent visual brightness also makes it visible to the naked eye under suitable observing conditions.
Is Pherkad the North Star?
No, Pherkad is Gamma Ursae Minoris, while the North Star is Polaris. Pherkad is instead one of the two stars marking the outer end of the Little Dipper’s bowl.
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