Sirius
Also known as α CMa · HR 2491
Sirius is a spectroscopic binary star in the constellation Canis Major, about 8.6 light-years from Earth.
Facts
| Type | Spectroscopic binary star (spectral type A0mA1Va) |
|---|---|
| Constellation | Canis Major |
| Position (J2000) | 6h 45m 08s, −16° 42′ |
| Distance | 8.6 light-years (its light set off about 8.6 years ago) |
| Brightness | magnitude -1.46 (smaller is brighter; the faintest stars the eye sees are about 6) |
| Studied in | 1,622 scientific papers (SIMBAD) |
When and how to see it
Sirius is highest in the sky at midnight in December. From India (about 20° N) it climbs to about 53° above the horizon; from 50° N, to about 23°. To see it you need the naked eye, even from a town.
Heights are worked out for India and for 50° N. Set your location in Settings to see them for where you are.
For tonight's best time from your own town, the darkness and the Moon, open it on the map and see its "Tonight from your location" card.
More in Canis Major
- Adhara
- Canis Major Dwarf Galaxy
- Caroline's Cluster (NGC 2360)
- M41 (NGC 2287)
- Mirzam
- Thor's Helmet
- VY Canis Majoris
- Wezen
Everything in Canis Major · All 88 constellations · All sky objects
Data: SIMBAD (CDS, Strasbourg; the site's weekly copy) · Data sources & credits