Cepheus (The King)

Northern polar constellation of the king, crowned by Cepheid variables.

Core Principles & Analysis

• Delta Cephei is the prototype of the Cepheid variables, the pulsating stars whose period reveals their true brightness and hence cosmic distances.
• The Garnet Star (μ Cephei), a red supergiant, is one of the largest and reddest stars visible in small telescopes.
• The constellation sits beside the north celestial pole, circumpolar for most of the northern hemisphere.

Specifications & Metrics

• BRIGHTEST STAR: Alderamin (α Cep)
• HEMISPHERE: Northern
• BEST VIEWED: September