Sirius (9Alp CMa) — Canis Major · Gaia DR3 HYG-HIP-32349

Sirius – a brilliant star, undeniably prominent in the southern night sky. Found within the constellation Columba, Sirius is a captivating celestial object characterized by its significant brightness. It occupies the 9th magnitude point in the CMa constel

Sirius’s well-known recognition in the sky lies primarily due to its extraordinary luminescence. Its exceptional brightness has long established it as one of the most easily observable stars, captivating generations of stargazers with its unwavering presence. Unlike many stars, Sirius’s position is consistently visible year after year, despite the relatively minor shifts in its celestial arrangement. This consistent brightness – combined with its relatively recent and noticeable position — has contributed significantly to its enduring appeal.

The star’s symbolic value transcends simple astronomical observation. Historically, Sirius was linked to the Roman god of truth and justice, Apollo. This myth contributed to its aura of prestige and significance, leading many to recognize it within the context of mythological lore. Given its unique spectral type—which cannot be elaborated upon—Sirius has also frequently been referred to as a 'seven-point star'. While we do not know its fundamental composition beyond its location and characteristics, it's easy to understand why its history is steeped in symbolism—a point of light, possibly signifying moral enlightenment or guidance.

How to see it

Sirius has a visual magnitude of about -1.44: under a reasonably dark sky it is typically reachable with the unaided eye.

Sky position

Equatorial coordinates for Sirius: right ascension 6h 45m 9s, declination −16° 42′ 58″ (J2000), in the region of the Canis Major constellation (IAU figure CMa).

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Catalog context

Sirius. It appears in classical and modern catalogs as Bayer/Flamsteed designation 9Alp CMa, HIP 32349, HD 48915, Gaia DR3 HYG-HIP-32349. In the SkyKeepsake Canis Major (CMa) browse hub it sits with other stars of the same IAU figure.

Catalog identifiers

Gaia: Gaia DR3 HYG-HIP-32349
HIP: 32349
HD: 48915
gaia_dr3: HYG-HIP-32349
Bayer / Flamsteed: 9Alp CMa

Also known as

Observed properties

Visual magnitude: -1.44