Algol vs Polaris

Property Algol Polaris
Désignation 26Bet Per 1Alp UMi
Constellation Perseus N/A
Classe Spectrale Class B — B-type (Blue-White) Class F — F-type (Yellow-White)
Magnitude Apparente +2.09 +1.97
Magnitude Absolue -0.11 -3.64
Distance 89.9 ly 433 ly
Masse N/A N/A
Rayon N/A N/A
Température N/A N/A
Luminosité N/A N/A

Key Differences

  • Both are variable stars, but of different physical types.
  • Polaris is a Cepheid variable that pulsates in radius; Algol dims because a companion eclipses it.
  • Polaris's pulsation amplitude has been decreasing over the past century.
  • Algol varies every 2.87 days (eclipsing); Polaris has a period of about 3.97 days (pulsation).
  • Polaris is near the north celestial pole and vital for navigation; Algol is in Perseus and known as the Demon Star.

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