Mira

Mira (pronounced , ) is a binary star system in the constellationCetus. It has the Bayer designationOmicron Ceti, which is Latinized from ο Ceti, and abbreviated Omicron Cet or ο Cet. The system consists of a variable red giant (Mira A) along with a white dwarf companion (Mira B). Mira A is a pulsating variable star and was the first non-supernovavariable star discovered, with the possible exception of Algol. It is the prototype of the Mira variables. The system lies at a distance of 300 light-years (92 parsecs).