Alkor

Alkor is a term that can refer to several different things, making its specific meaning dependent on context. One notable instance is Alkor, the star which is the fainter companion of Mizar in the Big Dipper asterism. This pair is often referred to as Mizar and Alkor, and it has been used for centuries as a test of eyesight, as discerning the fainter star Alkor with the naked eye was considered an indication of good vision. Astronomically, Alkor is a spectroscopic binary itself, meaning it is composed of at least two stars orbiting each other, though these are too close to be resolved visually.

Beyond astronomy, "alkor" can also appear as a name. It is used as a given name in some cultures. Additionally, it may be encountered as a surname. In certain contexts, "Alkor" might also refer to specific companies or organizations. For example, Alkor Scientific is a company involved in the field of biotechnology. Therefore, when encountering the term "alkor," it is important to consider the surrounding information to determine its precise reference.