Alpha Capricorni, Algedi, is an optical binary star located in the constellation of Capricornus.

The two bright stars are not a true binary star system where the stars gravitationally interact, they are just a chance alignment of two stars at greatly different distances.

Algedi is comprised of Prima Giedi (Alpha 1 Capricorni) at left, which shines at magnitude 3.58 and is located 109 light-years away, and Secunda Giedi (Alpha 2 Capricorni), at right, which shines at magnitude 4.30 and is located 687 light-years away.

Algedi is unusual in that the two stars are both yellow G-type giants which are relatively similar in magnitude and that lie along the same line of sight.

The name Algedi, which is sometimes spelled Algiedi or Al Giedi, is Arabic for the "Kid", a reference to the constellation of Capricornus, the Water Goat.

Algedi is a visual treat for the keen unaided eye. The two stars are separated by 6' 20", making them a test of sharp vision. This is much closer than the pair of Mizar and Alcor in the Big Dipper, which are separated by 11' 20"

North is to the top in the above image.

Alpha Capricorni Catalogs: HD 192947, HD 192876 Common Name: Algedi Object Type: Optical Double Star Magnitudes: 3.58, 4.30 Separation: 6' 20" Constellation: Capricornus Image Field Centered At: RA: 20h 17m 53s Dec: -12° 32' 42"