About Mufrid
Description
Muphrid is a yellow subgiant of spectral type G0IV at magnitude 2.68, located only about 37 light-years from Earth in Bootes. It has a luminosity of roughly 9 times solar. Muphrid is notable for its close apparent proximity to Arcturus — they are separated by only 3.3 degrees, making a striking unequal pair.
Observing Tips
Muphrid lies just 3.3 degrees east of brilliant Arcturus, appearing as a much fainter companion. Their proximity in the sky makes for an attractive naked-eye pair. Muphrid's slightly yellow color contrasts with Arcturus's deeper orange. Best observed April through August.
History
The name Muphrid (or Mufrid) comes from the Arabic 'mufrad al-ramih,' meaning 'the solitary one of the lance-bearer.' Despite the name, it is hardly solitary — blazing Arcturus sits right next to it. It is one of the nearest G-type subgiants to the Sun.
Fun Facts
Muphrid is sometimes called 'Arcturus's little brother' due to their proximity in the sky. In reality, they are at very different distances (37 vs. 37 light-years) — wait, they are actually at nearly the same distance! This is a coincidence; they are not gravitationally bound.
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
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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.
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