Editing Alpha Persei (section)

== Search for planets ==
Alpha Persei has periodic [[Doppler spectroscopy|radial velocity]] variations, with an amplitude of 70.8 ± 1.6 m/s. These variations are of uncertain origin; a 2012 study considered the possibility of them being caused by an orbiting [[exoplanet]], estimated to have a minimum mass of approximately 6.6 times [[Jupiter mass|that of Jupiter]] and an orbital period of 128 days, but the claimed period may not be stable over 20 years so the exoplanet was considered doubtful. The authors suggested rotational modulation due to surface activity such as starspots as a more likely explanation of the radial velocity variations. In previous publications, periodic radial velocity variations of 87.7 or 77.7 days have been reported, but these have not been confirmed.<ref name=Lee2012/>

A further study, published in 2025, analysing radial velocity observations, found that the period of ~130 days weakened and disappeared during a time, while a 66-day period appeared. The hypothesis of a planet around Mirfak can now be discarded, considering the period changes over time. Variations with periods of 9.8 and 77.7 days, reported in previous studies, have not been detected. The more reasonable explanation to the radial velocity variations is stellar oscillations.<ref name=Beng2025/>