The 10 Brightest Stars in the Sky
The night sky is filled with thousands of stars that are visible to the naked eye; however, some of these stars shine more brightly than others as viewed from Earth.
These bright stars can be used as way-points to help you navigate the constellations. Knowing their names, what constellation they are part of and how to find them in the night sky is knowledge every astronomer should possess.
Below are details of the 10 brightest stars listed according to their apparent magnitude. The apparent magnitude of an object is how bright it appears to us here on Earth. The lower the number, the brighter the object, extending into negative numbers for the most brilliant objects.
The list will provide you with details of how to find the 10 brightest stars in the sky, with accompanying star charts and directions. The latitude each star is best viewed from and the time of year that each star reaches peak viewing conditions.
For those of you in a hurry, I have included a handy look-up table of the 10 brightest stars. Simply click on the name of each star to find out more details.
| # | Name | Apparent magnitude | Visible from latitudes | Best seen |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
−1.46 |
South of 73°N |
December to February |
|
|
2 |
−0.74 |
South of 37°N |
December to February |
|
|
3 |
−0.27 |
South of 29°N |
May to July |
|
|
4 |
−0.05 |
North of 71°S |
April to June |
|
|
5 |
0.03v |
North of 51°S |
July to September |
|
|
6 |
0.08v |
North of 44°S |
December to February |
|
|
7 |
0.13v |
South of 82°N |
December to February |
|
|
8 |
0.34 |
North of 84°S |
January to March |
|
|
9 |
0.46v |
South of 33°N |
October to December |
|
|
10 |
0.50v |
North of 82°S |
December to February |
| # | Name | Apparent magnitude | Distance (light years) | Constellation | Visible from latitudes | Best seen |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
−1.46 |
8.6 |
Canis Major |
South of 73°N |
December to February |
|
|
2 |
−0.74 |
310 |
Carina |
South of 37°N |
December to February |
|
|
3 |
−0.27 |
4.4 |
Centaurus |
South of 29°N |
May to July |
|
|
4 |
−0.05 |
37 |
Boötes |
North of 71°S |
April to June |
|
|
5 |
0.03v |
25 |
Lyra |
North of 51°S |
July to September |
|
|
6 |
0.08v |
43 |
Auriga |
North of 44°S |
December to February |
|
|
7 |
0.13v |
860 |
Orion |
South of 82°N |
December to February |
|
|
8 |
0.34 |
11 |
Canis Minor |
North of 85°S |
January to March |
|
|
9 |
0.46v |
139 |
Eridanus |
South of 33°N |
October to December |
|
|
10 |
0.50v |
700 |
Orion |
North of 82°S |
December to February |
The Sun
Before we get started on the main list, I should mention that the brightest star in the sky is, of course, our Sun. With an apparent magnitude of -26.7, it is by far the brightest object in the sky.
The Sun appears bright as it is so close to the Earth. For comparison, the Sun is just over 8 light minutes from the Earth, whereas our nearest stellar neighbour Proxima Centauri is 4.24 light years away!
Despite its brightness and proximity, the Sun is, in fact, quite an ordinary white/yellow main sequence star. With an absolute magnitude of just 4.83 which if viewed in the night sky would appear as a dim star to the naked eye.
Now that is out of the way let us get started on the main list below.
1. Sirius
The brightest star in the night sky is Sirius. It is also known as ‘The Dog Star’ due to it being the main star in the constellation Canis Major, which is Latin for ‘Greater Dog’.
Sirius is a binary star system: it is made up of Sirius A, the bright star that we can all see, and a small white dwarf star, Sirius B, which is more affectionately known as ‘The ‘Pup’.
Located just 8.6 light years away, Sirius is one of our nearest stellar neighbours. The main star Sirius A has a mass roughly twice that of our Sun and is 25 times more luminous. Sirius B is very small and faint and difficult to observe even in larger telescopes.
Its luminosity and proximity to the solar system are what makes Sirius shine so brightly in our night skies.
Sirius star facts
Sirius apparent magnitude: -1.46
Sirius absolute magnitude: +1.42
Distance: 8.6 light years
Right ascension: 06h 45m
Declination: −16° 43′
Visible from latitudes: South of 73°N
When to view Sirius
In the northern hemisphere, the best time to view Sirius is from December to February. In early January Sirius will culminate (reach its highest point in the sky) at midnight and by mid-February it will culminate at 21:00.
However, at northerly latitudes similar to the UK and the northern USA, it is possible to view Sirius in the early evening sky well into April before it disappears into the daylight sky.
Sirius is more favourably viewed from the Southern Hemisphere, due to its southerly declination. If you are located at more southerly latitudes Sirius will appear higher in the sky and be visible for more of the year.
How to find Sirius
Sirius is located in the constellation Canis Major.
The easiest way to locate Sirius is to use the easily recognisable trio of stars that make up Orion’s belt. By extending the line of Orion’s belt you will come to a bright star, this is Sirius.
It will be hard to miss due to its brightness.
Star charts in this post were generated by Starry Night Enthusiast 8 © Copyright Simulation Curriculum Corp. All rights reserved. www.starrynight.com
2. Canopus
The second brightest star in the night sky is Canopus. Located in the southern constellation of Carina, the keel. Canopus is best viewed from the southern hemisphere.
Even though Canopus is only half as bright as Sirius, it is a far more impressive star. It has about 8 times the mass and 70 times the radius of our Sun. Canopus also has a high surface temperature of ~7500 Kelvin making it appear as a very white star, with little or no discernible colour.
The combination of a large radius and a high surface temperature gives Canopus a luminosity greater than 10,000 times that of our Sun. This allows Canopus to shine brightly in our night skies despite being 310 light years away from Earth.
Canopus star facts
Canopus apparent magnitude: -0.74
Canopus absolute magnitude: -5.71
Distance: 310 light years
Right ascension: 06h 24m
Declination: −52° 42′
Visible from latitudes: South of 37°N
When to view Canopus
Canopus is best viewed from December to February. Culminating at midnight in late December, and at 21:00 at the beginning of February.
South of 37°S Canopus is circumpolar, i.e. it never sets below the horizon. This means for many observers in the southern hemisphere Canopus can be seen year-round.
If, like me, you live North of 37°N, for example, northern USA, Canada, UK and northern Europe it will unfortunately not be possible to see Canopus.
How to find Canopus
Canopus is located in the constellation Carina.
To find Canopus first find Sirius, the brightest star in the sky, by following the line of Orion’s belt. From Sirius, you should track towards the south celestial pole, or towards your southern horizon if you cannot see the pole. Along the way, you will encounter Canopus.
There are no other bright stars near Canopus so it will be easy to identify.
3. Rigil Kentaurus
Rigil Kentaurus is located in the deep southern constellation Centaurus. More commonly known as Alpha Centauri, it is the closest star system to our solar system and its brightness is due to its proximity to Earth.
Rigil Kentaurus (Alpha Centauri) is a triple star system consisting of: Alpha Centauri A, Alpha Centauri B and Alpha Centauri C (also known as Proxima Centauri, the closest star to Earth).
The two brightest stars, Alpha Centauri A and B form a binary system with an orbital period of 80 years. Individually, Alpha Centauri A has a magnitude of +0.03 and Alpha Centauri B has a magnitude of +1.33. To the naked eye, the system appears as a single star with a combined brightness of magnitude -0.27, making it the third brightest star in the sky.
The two stars can easily be resolved in a small telescope.
The third star Alpha Centauri C or Proxima Centauri is a very faint red dwarf star, not visible to the naked eye. It is also well separated from the main AB system so does not contribute to the overall brightness.
Rigil Kentaurus star facts
Rigil Kentaurus apparent magnitude: -0.27 (+0.03 and +1.33)
Rigil Kentaurus absolute magnitude: +4.38
Distance: 4.4 light years
Right ascension: 14h 40m
Declination: −60° 50′
Visible from latitudes: South of 29°N
When to view Rigil Kentaurus
Rigil Kentaurus is best viewed from May to July. Culminating at midnight in early May, and at 21:00 at the end of June.
Due to its very southerly declination, Rigil Kentaurus is best viewed from the southern hemisphere. South of 29°S Rigil Kentaurus is circumpolar and can be viewed year-round.
Rigil Kentaurus is another bright star that cannot be seen from higher northern latitudes. Anywhere north of 29°N it will not be visible.
How to find Rigil Kentaurus
Rigil Kentaurus is located in the constellation Centaurus.
The easiest way to located Rigil Kentaurus is by extending the short cross arm of the constellation Crux (The Southern Cross). If you follow this line you will first pass another bright star known as Hadar before reaching Rigil Kentaurus.
4. Arcturus
The fourth brightest star in the sky is Arcturus, it is also the brightest star north of the celestial equator.
Arcturus has a similar mass to that of our Sun, but it is much further along in its stellar evolution. It is over 7 billion years old and has exhausted its core hydrogen fuel. This has caused it to expand into a red giant star 25 times the radius of our Sun. Its larger size means that Arcturus is 170 times more luminous than our Sun.
The expansion has also reduced the surface temperature of Arcturus to ~4000 K. At this surface temperature, the star appears distinctly orange in colour.
Arcturus star facts
Arcturus apparent magnitude: -0.05
Arcturus absolute magnitude: -0.30
Distance: 37 light years
Right ascension: 14h 16m
Declination: +19° 11′
Visible from latitudes: North of 71°S
When to view Arcturus
The arrival of Arcturus in the northern hemisphere is a signal that spring has arrived. It is best viewed from April to June. Culminating at midnight in early April, and at 21:00 at the end of June.
Due to its northerly declination of about 19°, Arcturus can be viewed from everywhere except Antarctica. Arcturus is best viewed from the northern hemisphere appearing high overhead from April to June.
How to find Arcturus
Arcturus is located in the constellation Boötes, the herdsman.
The easiest way to find Arcturus is by first locating the Big Dipper or Plough asterism in the constellation Ursa Major. This easily recognisable star pattern can be used to find several other stars and constellations.
If you continue the curve of the Big Dipper (Plough) handle you will reach the fourth brightest star in the sky, Arcturus. A common phrase to help remind you is, “Follow the arc to Arcturus”.
5. Vega
At a distance of just 25 light years away, Vega has a mass of 2.1 times that of our Sun and is 40 times as luminous. These factors make Vega the fifth brightest star in the sky.
Vega has a high average surface temperature of ~9600 K giving it a distinctive blue tinge. At this temperature, Vega gives out lots of light at visible wavelengths which helps to contribute to its brilliance.
Due to the Earth’s axial precession 14,000 years ago Vega would have been positioned as the northern pole star. It will again take up this position near the north celestial pole in another 13,000 years’ time.
Vega star facts
Vega apparent magnitude: +0.03v (−0.02 to +0.07)
Vega absolute magnitude: +0.58
Distance: 25 light years
Right ascension: 18h 37m
Declination: +38° 47′
Visible from latitudes: North of 51°S
When to view Vega
North of 51°N Vega is circumpolar for northern hemisphere observers and can be viewed year-round. However, it is best seen from July to September where it will be highest in the sky in the early-mid evening.
Vega culminates at midnight in the middle of July and at 21:00 at the beginning of September.
For observers in the southern hemisphere, north of 51°S, Vega can be viewed towards your northern horizon in the evenings from July to September.
How to find Vega
Vega is located in the small constellation Lyra, the harp.
Vega makes up one corner of the large Summer Triangle asterism. This large imaginary triangle is made up of three bright stars. Deneb (mag +1.25) in the constellation Cygnus, Altair (mag + 0.77) in the constellation Aquila and finally Vega (mag +0.03) in the constellation Lyra.
In the southern hemisphere, the asterism will be inverted and appear to point upwards with Altair positioned at the top of the triangle.
6. Capella
Capella is a quadruple star system that lies 43 light years from Earth. The two brightest stars Capella Aa and Capella Ab are two yellow giant stars that are further along in their stellar evolution than the Sun.
Both have a mass of around 2.5 times that of our Sun. Capella Aa is the larger of the two stars with a radius 12 times and luminosity 80 times that of the Sun. Capella Ab is slightly smaller with a radius 9 times that of the Sun, but its higher surface temperature gives it a similar luminosity of 73 times that of the Sun.
The remaining two stars in the star system, Capella H and Capella L, are both small red dwarf stars. They lie about 10,000 astronomical units from the two main brighter stars and are not bright enough to be visible to the naked eye.
Capella star facts
Capella apparent magnitude: +0.08v (+0.03 to +0.16)(Capella Aa and Ab combined)
Capella absolute magnitude: -0.48 (Capella Aa and Ab combined)
Distance: 43 light years
Right ascension: 05h 17m
Declination: +46° 00′
Visible from latitudes: North of 44°S
When to view Capella
Capella is the most northerly star in the top 10 list. North of latitude 44°N Capella becomes a northern circumpolar star. It can be seen year-round in the UK, USA, Canada and northern Europe.
Capella culminates at midnight in December and at 21:00 in February appearing near the zenith for northern hemisphere observers. In the southern hemisphere north of 44°S look for Capella above the northern horizon.
How to find Capella
Capella is located in the constellation Auriga, the Charioteer.
If you use the top two stars of the Big Dipper (Plough) ‘pan’ a line can be traced across the night sky to Capella.
A small asterism of 3 stars, known as ‘The Kids’ located very close to Capella can help you confirm its identity. I have highlighted this in the star chart below.
7. Rigel
Located at a distance of 860 light years from Earth, Rigel is the most distant star in the top 10 brightest stars list.
Rigel is a hot luminous star known as a blue supergiant, with 21 times the mass and 78 times the radius of the Sun. It has a surface temperature of 12,000 K which gives it a distinct blue colour.
It is estimated that Rigel has a luminosity between 60,000 and 360,000 times that of our Sun.
As Rigel has a mass 21 times that of the Sun it will have a short lifespan, in stellar terms, and end its life as a spectacular type II supernova.
Rigel star facts
Rigel apparent magnitude: +0.13v (+0.05 to +0.18)
Rigel absolute magnitude: -7.84
Distance: 860 light years
Right ascension: 05h 15m
Declination: −08° 12′
Visible from latitudes: South of 82°N
When to view Rigel
The arrival of Orion signifies dark skies and long winter’s nights in the northern hemisphere. Rigel culminates at midnight in mid-December and at 21:00 by the end of January.
Due to its equatorial declination, it is possible to see Rigel from almost everywhere on Earth during its peak viewing season. Unless you are in the deep arctic north of 82°N Rigel will be visible.
How to find Rigel
Rigel is located in the constellation Orion, one of the most easily recognisable constellations in the night sky.
Rigel can be found under the three stars that make up Orion’s belt. Its distinct bright blue/white colour makes it possible to distinguish it from the star Betelgeuse which, in contrast, is a bright orange coloured star on the opposite side of Orion’s belt.
8. Procyon
Procyon is another of our close interstellar neighbours, located just 11 light years away from Earth.
Procyon is a binary star system with a faint white dwarf companion star. The main star, Procyon A, is 1.5 times more massive and has twice the radius of the Sun, which gives it 7 times the luminosity.
Procyon is a main sequence star with a surface temperature of ~6,500 K, giving it a yellow/white appearance.
The faint white dwarf companion star, Procyon B, has magnitude of 10.7 and small angular separation from Procyon A which makes it difficult to resolve even in larger telescopes.
Procyon star facts
Procyon apparent magnitude: +0.34
Procyon absolute magnitude: +2.68
Distance: 11 light years
Right ascension: 07h 39m
Declination: +05° 13′
Visible from latitudes: North of 84°S
When to view Procyon
For northern hemisphere observers, Procyon is best viewed in late winter and early spring evenings. Culminating at midnight in mid-January and at 21:00 by early March.
Only +5° north of the celestial equator Procyon can be viewed from everywhere on Earth that is permanently inhabited during its peak viewing season.
How to find Procyon
Procyon is located in the small constellation Canis Minor, which contains only two stars brighter than 4th magnitude.
Procyon makes up one corner of the Winter Triangle asterism, along with the other bright stars Betelgeuse on the shoulder of Orion and Sirius in Canis Major.
9. Achernar
Despite Achernar only being the ninth brightest star in the sky it is one of the most interesting stars in the top 10 list.
It is the flattest star currently known in our Milky Way galaxy. Its rotational velocity is so high it causes the equator of Achernar to bulge significantly. Its equatorial diameter is over 50% greater than its polar diameter.
In addition to having almost 7 times the mass of the sun, Achernar is also a very hot star, with an average surface temperature of 15,000 K giving the star a very distinct blue colour.
Achernar star facts
Achernar apparent magnitude: +0.46v (+0.40 to +0.46)
Achernar absolute magnitude: -1.46
Distance: 139 light years
Right ascension: 01h 38m
Declination: -57° 14′
Visible from latitudes: South of 33°N
When to view Achernar
Better known to southern hemisphere observers Achernar is most favourably seen from October to December. Culminating at midnight in October and at 21:00 in December
Achernar can only be seen in the deep southern US states, south of 33°N and is not visible across Europe.
How to find Achernar
Achernar is located in the constellation Eridanus, the river. Marking the end of the river, Achernar is the brightest star in this very long and winding constellation.
Without many bright stars and covering a large area of sky Eridanus can be difficult to locate and follow.
A more reliable way of locating Achernar if you live in the southern hemisphere is to use the southern cross, Crux. If you extend the line of the longer cross arm you will encounter the blue star Achernar.
10. Betelgeuse
The final star in the list is Betelgeuse, however despite its position in this list Betelgeuse is a whopper of a star.
Betelgeuse is a red supergiant star and is one of the largest visible stars in the night sky. The radius of Betelgeuse is difficult to determine exactly as the star pulsates over time and its edge (or photosphere) is poorly defined. The best estimates put it at a staggering 890 times that of our Sun!
If Betelgeuse was placed into our Solar System its huge size would extend well beyond the orbit of Mars, possibly even beyond Jupiter.
With such a large radius Betelgeuse is highly luminous, ranging from anywhere between 90,000 to 150,000 times that of our Sun.
Betelgeuse is also a highly variable star, its typical brightness is around magnitude +0.5 but it can reach as bright as magnitude +0.0, allowing it to outshine Rigel and perhaps even Capella. At other times its brightness can reduce to magnitude +1.6 pushing it all the way down to 24th on the list.
Betelgeuse star facts
Betelgeuse apparent magnitude: 0.5v (0.2 to +1.2)
Betelgeuse absolute magnitude: -5.85
Distance: 700 light years
Right ascension: 05h 55m
Declination: +07° 24′
Visible from latitudes: North of 82°S
When to see Betelgeuse
Betelgeuse culminates at midnight in mid-December and 21:00 by the end of January.
Due to its equatorial declination, it is possible to see Betelgeuse from almost everywhere on Earth during its peak viewing season.
How to find Betelgeuse
Betelgeuse is located in the constellation Orion, one of the most easily recognisable constellations in the night sky.
Standing on the shoulder of Orion: Betelgeuse can be found above the three stars that make up Orion’s belt.
It is also one of the three stars that make up the Winter Triangle asterism, the other two being Sirius and Procyon, both of which also feature in this list.
Its distinct reddish colour makes Betelgeuse easy to distinguish from the other bright star in Orion, Rigel, which is the blue/white coloured star located below Orion’s belt.
Last words
This list only represents the ten brightest stars in the night sky. In total there are 22 first magnitude stars (stars with an apparent magnitude brighter than +1.50).
These bright stars will help you to navigate the heavens, acting as beacons marking out the paths between constellations. Taking the time to learn how to identify these stars and their parent constellations will serve you well for many years.
I will often look out in late spring and Easily find Arcturus, from here I can trace out the constellation Boötes, jump across to Corona Borealis and then onto Hercules. Once I am there I know can then find the amazing M13 globular cluster. All of this comes from first finding just one bright star.
I hope that you enjoyed reading about the 10 brightest stars. Which star is your favourite? How many have you identified? Let me know in the comments below.
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