Alpha Columbae (α Columbae, α Col) is the Bayer designation for a third magnitude star in the southern constellation of Columba. It has the traditional name of Phact, which is derived from the Arabic term for "ring dove". It has an apparent visual magnitude of 2.6, making it the brightest member of Columba. Based upon parallax measurements made during the Hipparcos mission, Alpha Columbae is located at a distance of around 261 light-years (80 parsecs).
Read more about Alpha Columbae: Properties, Etymology
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