Shedir — Star in Cassiopeia
HIP 3179; Alpha Cassiopeiae; 18 Cassiopeiae
About Shedir
Description
Schedar (also spelled Shedir) is an orange giant of spectral type K0IIIa at magnitude 2.23, the brightest star in Cassiopeia. Located about 228 light-years from Earth, it has a luminosity of roughly 676 times solar. Schedar marks the lower-right of Cassiopeia's W-shape as seen from mid-northern latitudes.
Observing Tips
Schedar is the rightmost bright star of the Cassiopeia W when the constellation is in its normal 'W' orientation high in the sky. Its warm orange color contrasts with the blue-white of the other W stars. Cassiopeia is circumpolar from mid-northern latitudes and visible year-round. Best placed in the evening from September through February.
History
The name Schedar (Shedir) comes from the Arabic 'sadr,' meaning 'breast,' describing its position on the Queen's chest. Cassiopeia represents the vain queen of Ethiopian mythology. The constellation's distinctive W-shape is one of the most recognizable patterns in the northern sky.
Fun Facts
Schedar appears to vary slightly in brightness, but this has been debated for centuries. Some observers report it as variable between 2.2 and 2.8, while others find it constant. The question of Schedar's variability remains one of the minor unsolved puzzles of naked-eye stellar astronomy.
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
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5Survey Image
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Explore
7
Size Comparison
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Compare Stars
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Spectral Classification
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Hertzsprung-Russell Diagram
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Stellar Lifecycle
12
Blackbody Spectrum
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Stellar Absorption Spectrum
Simulated absorption spectrum based on spectral type. Hover over lines to identify elements.
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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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