Cepheus (constellation)

Cepheus is a northern constellation representing the legendary king of Ethiopia, who was the husband of Cassiopeia and the father of Andromeda. It is one of the 88 modern constellations, and was also one of the 48 listed by Ptolemy.

Cepheus contains the star δ Cephei, the prototype Cepheid variable, as well as the star Alrai.

Cepheus
larger image
Abbreviation	Cep
Genitive	Cephei
Meaning in English	King Cepheus
Right ascension	22 h
Declination	70°
Visible to latitude	Between 90° and -10°
On meridian	9 p.m., October 15
Area  - Total	Ranked 27th 588 sq. deg.
Number of stars with apparent magnitude < 3	1
Brightest star  - Apparent magnitude	Alderamin (α Cep) 2.44
Meteor showers	None
Bordering constellations	Ursa Minor Draco Cygnus Lacerta Cassiopeia Camelopardalis

Mythology

In Greek mythology, Cepheus is the King of Ethiopia, husband of Cassiopeia and the father of Andromeda. See Cepheus for details.