Preview — this is a sample dedication, shown so you can see what a dedicated star page looks like.
A dedicated star
Alcor
white · Ursa Major · 80 UMa
Dedicated to
Maya
by Her sister, June · August 12, 2026
“You were born on the brightest night of my life. Whenever you feel small, remember: there is a star that has carried your name since before you could read it — and it is still up there, still burning, still yours.”
This dedication
- Dedicated to
- Maya
- Dedicated by
- Her sister, June
- Recorded
- August 12, 2026
- Held until
- August 12, 2027
When this dedication ends, Alcor becomes available again. Want it? Put the date in your calendar.
Alcor at a glance
- Constellation
- Ursa Major
- Other name
- 80 UMa
- Catalogue number
- HIP 65477
- Distance
- ≈ 82 light-years
- Brightness
- Magnitude 3.99 naked-eye
- Star type
- A5V SB
- Colour
- white
- Best seen from
- The Northern Hemisphere and lower southern latitudes
- Right ascension
- 13h 25m 14s
- Declination
- +54° 59′ 17″
Coordinates are J2000 epoch, checkable against any astronomical source or planetarium app.
Where can you see Alcor?
It is easy to see from most of the Northern Hemisphere. It can also appear from lower southern latitudes, but it never rises for observers south of about latitude 35°S.
Alcor belongs to Ursa Major.
Frequently asked questions about Alcor
- Is Alcor the brightest star?
- Alcor shines at magnitude 3.99 — visible to the naked eye on a clear night, one of the few thousand stars with an officially recognised name.
- How far away is Alcor?
- Alcor is approximately 82 light-years from Earth. The light reaching us tonight began its journey around 82 years ago.
- Which constellation contains Alcor?
- Alcor is part of Ursa Major.
- Can everyone see Alcor?
- It is easy to see from most of the Northern Hemisphere. It can also appear from lower southern latitudes, but it never rises for observers south of about latitude 35°S.
- Is dedicating Alcor an official astronomical renaming?
- No. Alcor keeps its internationally recognised astronomical name. An AsterNym dedication records your personal name and message in the AsterNym registry without changing the star's scientific identity.