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Glite Dictionary
Alpheratz

Alpheratz

1 9.9
The brightest star in Andromeda that marks a corner of the Great Square of Pegasus
  • proper noun
  • /ˈæl.fə.ræts/
: Alpheratz
  • Astronomers often use Alpheratz as a reference point when locating other stars in the night sky.
  • Alpheratz (Alpha Andromedae)
  • Alpheratz, a star
  • Alpheratz (Alpha)

Examples

  • If you look up at night, you can easily spot Alpheratz shining brightly in the constellation of Andromeda.

  • Swinging the telescope north to keep as far from the Moon as possible, I hunted through the constellation of Andromeda, past the bright star Alpheratz, and swept on into Pegasus.

    Academic text (1994)

  • Alpheratz (which has been 'mapped' revealing major starspots or something if I recall right) appears white or blue-white, certainly not green either, making Zubeneschmali a very exceptional star.

    Blog text (28)

  • During autumn evenings, Alpheratz helps guide stargazers towards the Great Square of Pegasus.

Surface Forms

Alpheratz main

Etymology

Alpheratz comes from Arabic and keeps the little part al- meaning 'the'; it was given to this bright star at the corner of the Great Square of the winged horse Pegasus, so the name helped stargazers find that exact spot in the sky.