Gamma Canis Majoris
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Observation data Epoch J2000.0 |
|
---|---|
Constellation (pronunciation) |
Canis Major |
Right ascension | 07h03m45.5s |
Declination | −15°38′00″ |
Apparent magnitude (V) | +4.11 |
Distance | 402 ± 31 ly (123 ± 10 pc) |
Spectral type | B8II |
Other designations | |
Gamma Canis Majoris (γ CMa / γ Canis Majoris) is a star in the constellation Canis Major. It also has the traditional name Muliphein, not to be confused with Muhlifain, which is Gamma Centauri; both names derive from the same Arabic root, محلفين muħlifayn.
γ Canis Majoris is a blue-white B-type bright giant with an apparent magnitude of +4.11. It is approximately 402 light years from Earth.
It is unclear exactly why this relatively faint star was given the "gamma" designation, but it is possibly because it is in the same part of the constellation as Sirius (alpha) and Murzim (beta).