The region of sky near the star Mu Cephei, with a nebula known as IC 1396.
Click on image for star map
© Matt BenDaniel

Mu Cephei Deep Red Giant

What's in a Name: Known as the "Garnet Star" because of its deep red color - one of the most intensely colored stars ever recorded when viewed through a telescope.
Claim to Fame: Famous variable star. Its brightness is 4 times greater at its maximum than at its minimum.
Type of Star: Red Giant (M2 Ia Spectral Class)
How Far Away: 1,550 light years away
How Big: 2536 times the solar radius. Would fill the orbit of Saturn. Could pack more than 1 billion suns into the same volume.
How Bright: 38,000 times brighter than the sun. Absolute visual magnitude, Mv =-6.7
Where to View: Located in the constellation of Cepheus (Star Map)
When to View: Best viewed from the Northern hemisphere during August through January

Last modified January 17, 2006 by Travis Metcalfe.

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