Where is Merak right now?
Merak is located in the constellation Ursa Major. It is currently above the horizon at an altitude of 42° toward the north-east, with an apparent magnitude of 2.34.
Where and When to Look for Merak Tonight
The best available observing time for Merak during this observing period is around 03:55, at 47° above the horizon toward the north-east. Status: Best view.
Merak will remain visible until August 7, when it moves too close to the Sun and temporarily disappears from the night sky. You can also see when Merak is visible throughout the year in a table with exact rise, transit, and set times for each date.
How Merak Moves Across the Sky
During this 24-hour period, Merak moves from the north-west, reaches its highest sampled position at 71° toward the north, and finishes toward the north-west.
Track Merak position throughout the night
← 25 October 2026 →
| Time | |
| Altitude | |
| Azimuth |
Shift the map to change the time and observe Merak changing position in the night sky.
Astrometric and Physical Parameters of Merak
| Constellation | Ursa Major |
| Elevation | 42° |
| Direction | north-east (44°) |
| Right Ascension | 11h 01m |
| Declination | +56° 22′ |
| Magnitude | 2.34 |
Merak Passage Through Night
Double-click to unlock the map.
Current position of Merak
| Time | 03:20 |
| Latitude | 37.3541 |
| Longitude | -121.955 |
| Elevation | 42° |
| Azimuth | 44° |
Here you can see the current position of Merak on the map, as well as its positions for rise and set. This tool lets you track its movement throughout the night with accurate, up-to-date information.
Merak Position by Hour
Select a row to move both interactive maps to that time.
| Time | Elevation | Azimuth | Direction | Visibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 24, 12:00 | 46° | 316° | north-west | Daylight |
| Oct 24, 13:00 | 38° | 317° | north-west | Daylight |
| Oct 24, 14:00 | 30° | 320° | north-west | Daylight |
| Oct 24, 15:00 | 23° | 325° | north-west | Daylight |
| Oct 24, 16:00 | 16° | 330° | north-west | Daylight |
| Oct 24, 17:00 | 11° | 337° | north-west | Twilight |
| Oct 24, 18:00 | 7° | 344° | north-west | Very low |
| Oct 24, 19:00 | 4° | 352° | north | Very low |
| Oct 24, 20:00 | 4° | 1° | north | Very low |
| Oct 24, 21:00 | 5° | 9° | north | Very low |
| Oct 24, 22:00 | 7° | 17° | north-east | Very low |
| Oct 24, 23:00 | 12° | 24° | north-east | Visible |
| Oct 25, 00:00 | 17° | 31° | north-east | Visible |
| Oct 25, 01:00 | 24° | 36° | north-east | Visible |
| Oct 25, 02:00 | 31° | 40° | north-east | Visible |
| Oct 25, 03:00 | 39° | 43° | north-east | Visible |
| Oct 25, 03:58 — Astronomical night ends | 47° | 44° | north-east | Visible |
| Oct 25, 04:00 | 47° | 44° | north-east | Visible |
| Oct 25, 04:28 — Twilight end | 51° | 44° | north-east | Visible |
| Oct 25, 04:58 — Civil sunrise | 55° | 42° | north-east | Twilight |
| Oct 25, 05:00 | 56° | 42° | north-east | Twilight |
| Oct 25, 05:26 — Sunrise | 59° | 40° | north-east | Twilight |
| Oct 25, 06:00 | 63° | 36° | north-east | Daylight |
| Oct 25, 07:00 | 69° | 21° | north-east | Daylight |
| Oct 25, 08:00 | 71° | 357° | north | Daylight |
| Oct 25, 09:00 | 68° | 335° | north-west | Daylight |
| Oct 25, 10:00 | 62° | 322° | north-west | Daylight |
| Oct 25, 11:00 | 54° | 317° | north-west | Daylight |
| Oct 25, 12:00 | 45° | 316° | north-west | Daylight |