Sirius
Sirius (α Canis Majoris) is a white star in the constellation Canis Major. With an apparent magnitude of −1.46 it is the 1st-brightest star in the night sky, and it is about 9 light-years from Earth.
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How to find Sirius, step by step
Follow Orion's Belt to the left.
- Find Orion's Belt on a winter evening.
- Follow the line of the belt down and to the left (southeast).
- The very bright, often twinkling star you reach is Sirius in Canis Major, the brightest star in the night sky.
Sirius or a planet?
Only Venus and Jupiter (and sometimes Mars) are brighter than Sirius. Sirius twinkles strongly, often flashing colors when low, while planets shine with a steadier light and move against the stars over weeks.
Facts
| Constellation | Canis Major |
|---|---|
| Designation | α Canis Majoris (Alpha Canis Majoris), HR 2491 |
| Apparent magnitude | −1.46 (1st brightest) |
| Spectral type | A1Vm |
| Color | white (B−V 0.00) |
| Distance | about 9 light-years |
| Right ascension | 6 h 45.1 min |
| Declination | −16.72° |
| Best month | February (at about 9 pm) |
How to find Sirius
Sirius is in Canis Major. From 40° N it is highest in the south in February evenings, about 33° above the horizon. From 35° S it reaches about 72° in the north. Nearby bright stars: Mirzam (5° away), Wezen (11° away) and Adhara (13° away).