One of the brightest Cepheids in the sky: the main yellow star changes its brightness in the range of 3.6mag to 4.1mag with a period of 10.15 days. Suitable comparison stars are κ (3.57mag) and υ Gem (4.07mag). One companion is located at a separation of 96" and has a brightness of 8mag, the second one is observed 87" away and has a brightness of 11mag. However, they are only optically companions. Mekbuda pulsates from a distance of 1120 light years.