Cepheus

Cepheus is a significant celestial grouping situated in the northern celestial hemisphere. Positioned in the northern sky, Cepheus remains visible throughout the year from latitudes between +90° and -10°, forming part of the circumpolar region. In terms of its shape, Cepheus is often depicted as resembling a house or a pentagon. Its defining outline is created by a collection of stars forming a rough pentagon shape.

Stars

Among the stars in Cepheus lies the notable Garnet Star, also known as Herschel's Garnet Star, denoted by Mu Cephei, prized for its distinctive reddish hue. While lacking exceptionally bright stars, Cepheus boasts a few notable ones. Alderamin (Alpha Cephei) stands out as the brightest star in the constellation, though it may appear relatively faint compared to other prominent stars in the night sky.

Nebulae

The constellation Cepheus is home to various captivating deep-sky objects, including nebulae and star clusters. Notable among these are the Wizard Nebula (NGC 7380) and the Iris Nebula (NGC 7023).

History

In Greek mythology, Cepheus was the legendary king of Aethiopia and the spouse of Cassiopeia, with Andromeda as their daughter. The mythological tale involving Cepheus, Cassiopeia, Andromeda, and the hero Perseus is intertwined with the constellations in this region of the sky, adding cultural significance to the celestial formation.

Cepheids

The constellation lent its name to a class of variable stars known as Cepheid variables, whose luminosity variations are directly linked to their period of variability. These stars played a crucial role in determining distances to distant celestial objects, forming an integral part of the cosmic distance ladder utilized by astronomers.