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Sirius is going … going … see it NOW

Spot Sirius in Canis Major the Greater Dog - the brightest star as seen from Earth. Learn the science and mythology of Sirius the Dog Star.

Deborah Byrd

February 21, 2025

Sirius B: Now is the best time to see Sirius’ companion

Now is a great time to see Sirius' dim companion, Sirius B. The two are currently at their maximum separation as viewed from Earth.

EarthSky Voices

February 7, 2025

Blue-white Rigel is Orion’s brightest star

Blue-white Rigel shines as the brightest star in the constellation Orion the Hunter. It's a hot massive star, that someday will explode as a supernova.

Larry Sessions

January 30, 2025

Capella is sometimes called the Goat Star

The 6th-brightest star in the night sky, Capella, in the Northern Hemisphere constellation Auriga the Charioteer, is also a point of the Winter Hexagon.

Editors of EarthSky

January 10, 2025

Schedar shines brightly at the Queen’s heart

Schedar is the brightest star in the distinctive W-shaped northern constellation Cassiopeia and is visible most of the year from northern latitudes.

Editors of EarthSky

December 26, 2024

Orange Aldebaran is Taurus the Bull’s fiery eye

Aldebaran, the brightest star in Taurus the Bull, is at one tip of a V-shaped cluster. If placed where our sun is, its surface would pass the orbit of Mercury.

Deborah Byrd

Larry Sessions

December 12, 2024

Bellatrix is Orion’s 3rd-brightest star

Orion's shoulder star Bellatrix has a name that means "female warrior." Bellatrix is one of the hottest stars you can see without optical aid.

Kelly Kizer Whitt

November 24, 2024

Mirach is your guide star to finding 3 galaxies

Mirach in the constellation Andromeda helps stargazers locate the Andromeda Galaxy, the Triangulum Galaxy, and "Mirach's Ghost" (NGC 404).

Bruce McClure

Shireen Gonzaga

November 10, 2024

Algol the Demon Star … but why is it called that?

What's the scariest star in all the heavens? Look for Algol the Demon Star on autumn evenings. It's a great choice for a driveway telescope night on Halloween.

Editors of EarthSky

October 31, 2024