Enif: The Brightest Star in Pegasus

Enif, or Epsilon (ε) Pegasi, is a striking star nestled in the constellation of Pegasus, renowned for its dazzling displays and compelling phenomena.

The Great Square of Pegasus is a prominent feature of autumnal night skies, famously resembling the torso of a majestic flying horse. At the southwest corner of this celestial square lies Markab (Alpha (α) Pegasi), but Enif claims the title of the brightest star in Pegasus, shining at a magnitude of +2.4 and representing the horse's nose.

Interestingly, Sirrah (Delta (δ) Pegasi) originally held the title of Pegasus' brightest star. However, it was reclassified in 1928 as Alpheratz (Alpha (α) Andromedae), marking its transition out of the Pegasus constellation.

Enif is classified as a cool orange supergiant of spectral class K2. Positioned 690 light-years away from Earth, its diameter is an astonishing 185 times that of our Sun, making it a true giant among the stars.

The Intriguing Pendulum Effect of Enif

When gazing at Enif through a telescope, observers will notice that it is not alone; it has a dimmer companion star, shining at a magnitude of +8.7, located 144 arcseconds away. The unique position of this companion star creates an optical illusion reminiscent of a pendulum.

To experience this captivating visual effect, center Enif and its companion in your telescope’s eyepiece while using a magnification of approximately 60-100x. By tapping the side of the eyepiece gently, you'll create a wobble that causes Enif to move in a back-and-forth motion, while the companion appears to swing asymmetrically, akin to a pendulum swinging out of sync.

This phenomenon is attributed to the time delay in light reaching your eyes from the dimmer star, which leads to the mesmerizing “Pendulum Star” designation.

A Stellar Surprise from the Past

Enif is not just about captivating optical illusions; it also boasts a remarkable history. In 1972, it briefly shone with an extraordinary brightness comparable to Altair (Alpha (α) Aquilae), at a remarkable five times its normal brightness. This brief surge, lasting about 10 minutes, was attributed to a rare superflare eruption from the star.

As autumn unfolds and the nights grow longer, take a moment to seek out Enif and witness its pendulum effect for yourself. Have you spotted it yet? Share your astronomical experiences with us and let’s dive deeper into the mysteries of the cosmos together!