The distance to this star can be estimated using parallax measurements from the Hipparcos astrometry satellite,[15][16] yielding a value of around 690 light-years (210 parsecs).

It bore the traditional name Enif derived from the Arabic word for 'nose', due to its position as the muzzle of Pegasus.

[21] Consequently, the Chinese name for Epsilon Pegasi itself is 危宿三 (Wēi Sù sān, English: the Third Star of Rooftop.

However, it was once observed very briefly at magnitude 0.7, giving rise to the theory that it (and possibly other supergiants) erupt in massive flares that dwarf those of the Sun.

[26] The spectrum shows an overabundance of the elements strontium and barium, which may be the result of the s-process of nucleosynthesis in the outer atmosphere of the star.