with a range in brightness of 0.06 magnitude, and is listed as a Delta Scuti variable. Alderamin has a very high rotation speed of at least 246 km/s, completing one complete revolution in less than 12 hours, with such a rapid turnover appearing to inhibit the differentiation of chemical elements usually seen in such stars. By comparison, the Sun takes almost a month to turn on its axis. Alpha Cephei is also known to emit an amount of X radiation similar to the Sun, which along with other indicators suggests the existence of considerable magnetic activity—something unexpected (though not at all unusual) for a fast rotator. Etymology and cultural significance This star, along with Beta Cephei (Alfirk) and Eta Cephei (Alkidr) were al-Kawākib al-Firq (الكواكب الفرق), meaning "the Stars of the Flock" by Ulug Beg. In Chinese, (), meaning Celestial Hook, refers to an asterism consisting of α Cephei, 4 Cephei, HD 194298, Eta Cephei, Theta Cephei, Xi Cephei, 26 Cephei, Iota Cephei and Omicron Cephei. Consequently, the Chinese name for Alpha Cephei itself is (, .). Namesakes USS Alderamin (AK-116) was a United States Navy Crater class cargo ship named after the star. See also List of nearest bright stars Dwarf star References External links NASA's: History of Precession Crystallinks: Precession of the Equinoxes Cephei, Alpha Cepheus (constellation) A-type subgiants Northern pole stars Alderamin Castor Moving Group Cephei, 05 203280 8162 BD+61 2111 105199 Suspected variables Delta Scuti variables 0826