MIZAR

also called Zeta Ursae Majoris, first star found (by the Italian astronomer Giovanni Battista Riccioli in 1650) to be a visual binaryi.e., to consist of two optically distinguishable components revolving around each other. Later, each of the visual components was determined to be a spectroscopic binary; Mizar is actually a quadruple star. Apparent visual magnitudes of the two visual components are 2.27 and 3.95. Set in the middle of the Big Dipper's handle, Mizar (Arabic: Veil, or Cloak) makes a visual double with the fainter Alcor (Arabic: Faint One).