Chaph — Star in Cassiopeia
HIP 746; Beta Cassiopeiae; 11 Cassiopeiae
About Chaph
Description
Caph is a yellow-white giant of spectral type F2III-IV at magnitude 2.27 in Cassiopeia. Located about 54 light-years from Earth, it has a luminosity of roughly 28 times solar. Caph is a Delta Scuti variable, pulsating very slightly over several periods. It marks the rightmost end of Cassiopeia's W-shape (opposite from Segin).
Observing Tips
Caph is the eastern (upper-right when the W is upright) end star of Cassiopeia's W. It is easy to identify as Cassiopeia is circumpolar and always visible from northern mid-latitudes. Its warm yellowish color is somewhat lighter than the orange of neighboring Schedar. Best placed in the evening September through February.
History
The name Caph comes from the Arabic 'kaff al-khadib,' meaning 'the stained hand.' Caph was one of several stars in this region associated with the hand of the constellation figure. At only 54 light-years, it is one of the nearer giant stars and serves as a Delta Scuti variable prototype.
Fun Facts
Caph lies near the 0-hour line of right ascension, making it a convenient marker for the celestial prime meridian. Its Delta Scuti pulsations have multiple overlapping periods, making it a useful target for asteroseismology.
Observe
1Physical Properties
2Position & Identifiers
3How easy to spot?
| Equipment | Bortle 3 | Bortle 4 | Bortle 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Naked eye Naked eye | Easy | Easy | Easy |
| 50 mm finder 50mm finder | Easy | Easy | Easy |
| 150 mm telescope 150mm scope | Easy | Easy | Easy |
Bortle 3 = rural · 4 = outer suburbs · 5 = suburbs
4Visibility
Set a location in User Settings to see visibility data.
5Survey Image
Loading survey image…
Explore
7
Size Comparison
8
Compare Stars
9
Spectral Classification
10
Hertzsprung-Russell Diagram
11
Stellar Lifecycle
12
Blackbody Spectrum
13
Stellar Absorption Spectrum
Simulated absorption spectrum based on spectral type. Hover over lines to identify elements.
14
Stellar Fusion
Discover
15Stellar Notes
16
Light Travel Time Machine
17
Relativistic Travel
Nearby in the Sky
Other targets within a few degrees — pan your scope a little and keep exploring.
Visibility scores assume a 150 mm Newton at Bortle 4.
Explore Nightbase
Related knowledge, tools, and stories — no observation planning required.
