Star lore
Ras Algethi
Direct answer
Ras Algethi is Alpha Herculis, a variable red supergiant in a multiple system marking the head of Hercules.
Ras Algethi is Hercules's warm-colored head star near Rasalhague.
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At a glance
- Found in
- Constellations & Star Lore
- Related
- Enif, Rasalhague, Kochab, Pherkad
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The story behind Ras Algethi
Ras Algethi’s Arabic-derived name means head of the kneeler, preserving Hercules's older “Kneeling One” identity.
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Why Ras Algethi matters
Ras Algethi’s cool giant primary and contrasting companion make it a rewarding object for stellar-color study.
How to read Ras Algethi
Find the close naked-eye neighborhood of Rasalhague, then use a telescope to separate Ras Algethi's components.
Ras Algethi in practice: an example
The primary appears orange-red beside a bluer companion at suitable magnification.
Where readings of Ras Algethi go wrong
Alpha Herculis is not Hercules's brightest visible star; Bayer letters do not always rank brightness.
Sources and editorial method
Research references used for this entry include:
- IAU Division C Working Group on Star Names - Official IAU working group responsible for standardizing star names used in international astronomy.
- CDS SIMBAD Astronomical Database - Professional astronomical database for stellar identifiers, positions, classifications, and bibliography.
- Source
- The Great Almanac Dictionary
- Category
- Constellations & Star Lore
- Last updated
- 2026-09-26
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Common questions
What is Ras Algethi?
Ras Algethi is Alpha Herculis, a variable red supergiant in a multiple system marking the head of Hercules.
What does the name Ras Algethi mean?
Ras Algethi’s Arabic-derived name means head of the kneeler, preserving Hercules's older “Kneeling One” identity.
What do people get wrong about Ras Algethi?
Alpha Herculis is not Hercules's brightest visible star; Bayer letters do not always rank brightness.
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