Алголь vs Mirfak

Behind the apparent view stands a gulf in output — −4.17 against −0.11 in absolute magnitude. Only 89.9 light-years separate the Sun from Алголь; Mirfak sits 5.6 times further out at 506. Mirfak is an F-type star in Perseus, while Алголь is a B-type star in Perseus. Mirfak is the brighter of the pair in the sky, at magnitude +1.79 against +2.09 for Алголь, roughly 1.3 times more light reaching the eye.

Property comparison

Property Алголь Mirfak
Обозначение 26Bet Per 33Alp Per
Созвездие Perseus Perseus
Спектральный класс Class B — B-type (Blue-White) Class F — F-type (Yellow-White)
Видимая звёздная величина +2.09 +1.79
Абсолютная звёздная величина -0.11 -4.17
Расстояние 89.9 ly 506 ly
Масса N/A N/A
Радиус N/A N/A
Температура N/A N/A
Светимость N/A N/A

Full data for each star: Алголь · Mirfak

Key differences

Key Differences

  • ◆ Both are prominent stars in Perseus and are often observed together.
  • ◆ Mirfak is a yellow-white supergiant and the brightest member of the Alpha Persei Cluster.
  • ◆ Algol is the famous Demon Star — the prototype eclipsing binary variable.
  • ◆ Algol varies in brightness every 2.87 days; Mirfak does not show significant variability.
  • ◆ Mirfak is farther away at ~510 light-years; Algol is ~93 light-years from Earth.
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