Sunday, January 5, 2025

Watch Algol Fade

The star Algol in the constellation of Perseus represents the glowing eye of Medusa from Greek mythology. Also designated Beta Persei, it is among the most accessible variable stars for skywatchers. During a ten-hour period that repeats like clockwork every 2 days, 20 hours, and 49 minutes, Algol dims noticeably and re-brightens by about a third when a fainter companion star
with an orbit nearly edge-on to Earth crosses in front of its much brighter primary, reducing the total light output we perceive. Algol normally shines at magnitude 2.1, similar to the nearby star Almach (aka Gamma Andromedae). But while fully dimmed, Algol's brightness of magnitude 3.4 is almost identical to Rho Persei (or Gorgonea Tertia or ? Per), the star sitting just 2.25 degrees
to the south of Algol. On Sunday evening, January 5 at 6:42 p.m. EST (or 23:42 UT), Algol will start to fade from its usual brightness. At that time, it will be shining very high in the eastern sky, above and between the bright star Capella and Jupiter. Five hours later, at 11:42 p.m. EST (or 04:42 UT on Monday), Algol will have faded to its minimum brightness. It's location at
that time will be about halfway up the western sky below Capella and Jupiter. If you miss this attempt, you can watch Algol brighten from its minimum starting at 7:02 p.m. EST on Thursday, January 30.

(Data courtesy of Starry Night)
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