Alpha Persei, also known as Mirfak, is the brightest star in the constellation Perseus. It is classified as a spectral type A0 III star, which means it is a giant star that has exhausted the hydrogen in its core and is now fusing helium. Located approximately 590 light-years away from Earth, Mirfak has an apparent magnitude of about 49, making it easily visible to the naked eye.
Mirfak is part of a star cluster known as the Perseus OB1 association, which contains several other bright stars. This star is also notable for its position in the sky, as it serves as a guide for locating other celestial objects in the vicinity. Its brightness and location make it a key feature in the night sky for stargazers and astronomers alike.