Sirius (Star)
Contents
Image: Sirius A and B
Credit: K. R. Carr/Celestia
Overview
Sirius, in the constellation Canis Major, is the brightest star in the night sky. This is not however due to it's size or true brightness (it's absolute magnitude) but the fact that Sirius is only 8.7 light years[1] from Earth which in astronomical terms is quite close.
Binary system
Sirius is actually two stars, a binary system comprising of Sirius A (The Dog Star) a white main-sequence star and Sirius B (The Pup-Star), a white dwarf star.
Observing Sirius
In Britain, Sirius is best viewed in late winter and appears as a very bright blue-white star south-east of the constellation Orion.
Sirius' position within the
constellation Canis Major
(circled red)
Credit: K. R. Carr/Stellarium
The Winter Triangle
Sirius is one of three stars which form the asterism, the Winter Triangle.
References
[1] Brilliant Stars by Patrick Moore - ISBN 0-304-34903-8
