What it looks like
Perseus is a large northern constellation lying along the Milky Way between Cassiopeia and Taurus. It is drawn as the hero holding the severed head of Medusa, marked by the winking star Algol. The constellation hosts the Double Cluster, a striking pair of open clusters visible to the naked eye.
Brightest stars
Perseus is anchored by Mirfak and Algol, the latter famous for dimming visibly every 2.87 days.
| Star | Magnitude | Distance | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mirfak (α Persei) | +1.79 | 510 ly | Elbow |
| Algol (β Persei) | +2.12 | 90 ly | The Demon Star |
| Zeta Persei | +2.85 | 980 ly | — |
| Epsilon Persei | +2.89 | 640 ly | — |
| Gamma Persei | +2.93 | 240 ly | — |
Mythology and history
In Greek myth, Perseus was the hero who beheaded the Gorgon Medusa and rescued Andromeda from a sea monster.
Perseus and Medusa
Perseus was the son of Zeus and Danaë. Sent by King Polydectes to fetch the head of Medusa, he was aided by Hermes and Athena, who gave him winged sandals, a reflective shield, and a sickle. He beheaded Medusa while watching her reflection, then used the head to rescue Andromeda from a sea monster sent by Poseidon. The constellation shows him holding the head, whose winking eye is marked by the variable star Algol.
How to find it
Look for a curving arc of stars between Cassiopeia and the Pleiades on autumn evenings, with Mirfak at its brightest point.
- Follow the W of Cassiopeia downward to Perseus.
- Look for Algol — it visibly dims every few nights.
- Best on autumn evenings from the northern hemisphere.
Key facts
- Abbreviation
- Per
- Genitive
- Persei
- Meaning
- The Hero
- Brightest star
- Mirfak
- Main stars
- 9
- Area rank
- 24th
- Best visible
- December
- Declination
- +45°
- Meteor showers
- Perseids
- Neighbours
- Cassiopeia, Andromeda, Triangulum, Aries, Taurus, Auriga, Camelopardalis
Deep-sky objects
The Double Cluster (NGC 869 and NGC 884) is a striking pair of open clusters visible to the naked eye. The constellation also contains M34, an open cluster, and the California Nebula (NGC 1499).
Frequently asked questions
What does the constellation Perseus look like?
Perseus is a northern constellation representing the Greek hero Perseus, marked by the bright star Mirfak and the famous eclipsing variable Algol, the Demon Star.
What is the brightest star in Perseus?
The brightest star in Perseus is Mirfak, shining at around magnitude 1.79.
When is Perseus best visible?
Perseus is best seen from northern hemisphere during December.
What is the story behind Perseus?
In Greek myth, Perseus was the hero who beheaded the Gorgon Medusa and rescued Andromeda from a sea monster.
Which constellations are near Perseus?
Perseus borders Cassiopeia, Andromeda, Triangulum, Aries, Taurus, Auriga and Camelopardalis.
Cassiopeia
Andromeda