Mizar

Definition

Mizar is a star system located in the constellation Ursa Major, known for being part of the Big Dipper's handle. It is one of the first binary stars discovered through telescopic observation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Mizar is a multiple star system consisting of at least four stars.
2. It was historically significant as the first binary star to be identified using a telescope.
3. Mizar and its companion star Alcor can be seen with the naked eye, appearing as a double star.
4. Each component of Mizar itself is a spectroscopic binary, making it a quadruple system.
5. The combined light from Mizar and Alcor was used to test early astronomical photometers.

Review Questions

• What constellation is Mizar located in?
• Why is Mizar historically significant in the study of binary stars?
• How many stars are there in the Mizar star system?

Related terms

Binary Star: A star system consisting of two stars orbiting around their common center of mass.

Spectroscopic Binary: A binary star system in which two stars are too close to be distinguished visually but can be identified through their spectral lines.

Ursa Major: A prominent constellation also known as the Great Bear, which contains the Big Dipper asterism.