Alfirk
Designations
- Bayer: β Cep
- Flamsteed: 8 Cep
- Hipparchos: HIP 106032
Data
- Constellation: Cepheus
- Apparent Magnitude: 3.12-3.17
- Variable Type: β Cephei
- Right Ascension (J2000): 21h28m43.46s
- Declination (J2000): +70°33'37".0
- Colour Index (B-V): -0.22
- Distance: 685.20±43.18ly
Description
Situated where the roof meets the walls of the House asterism, Alfirk is the second brightest star of Cepheus. To remember it and Alderamin's position within the House, use the mnemonic, "all the firken ramen is in the house!"
Nomenclature
Alfirk
The indigenous Arabic terms Kawkabā 'l-Firq, 'the two stars of the flock', for α & β Cep and Kawākib al-Firq, 'the stars of the flock', for various stars within Cepheus were used to describe part of the scene of al-Firq, 'the flock'. al-Aġnām, 'the sheep', were herded by al-Rā‘ī, 'the shepherd' (see Errai (γ Cep)), and Kalb al-Rā‘ī, 'the sheepdog' (ρ Cep).