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List of brightest stars

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This article is about the brightness of stars as seen from Earth (apparent magnitude). For intrinsic luminosity of stars (absolute magnitude), see List of most luminous stars.

This is a list of stars arranged by their apparent magnitude – their brightness as observed from Earth. It includes all stars brighter than magnitude +2.50 in visible light, measured using a V-band filter in the UBV photometric system. Stars in binary systems (or other multiples) are listed by their total or combined brightness if they appear as a single star to the naked eye, or listed separately if they do not. As with all magnitude systems in astronomy, the scale is logarithmic and inverted i.e. lower/more negative numbers are brighter.

Most stars on this list appear bright from Earth because they are nearby, not because they are intrinsically luminous. For a list which compensates for the distances, converting the apparent magnitude to the absolute magnitude, see the list of most luminous stars.

Some major asterisms, which feature many of the brightest stars in the night sky

Measurement

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The Sun is the brightest star as viewed from Earth, at −26.78 mag. The second brightest is Sirius at −1.46 mag. For comparison, the brightest non-stellar objects in the Solar System have maximum brightnesses of:

Any exact order of the visual brightness of stars is not perfectly defined for four reasons:

  • Stellar brightness is based on the apparent visual magnitude as perceived by the human eye, from the brightest stars of 1st magnitude to the faintest at 6th magnitude. Since the invention of the optical telescope and the documenting of binary stars and multiple star systems, stellar brightness could be expressed as either individual (separate) or total (combined) magnitude. The table is ordered by combined magnitude of all naked eye components appearing as if they were single stars. Such multiple star systems are indicated by parentheses showing the individual magnitudes of component stars bright enough to make a detectable contribution. For example, the binary star system Alpha Centauri has the total or combined magnitude of −0.27, while its two component stars have magnitudes of +0.01 and +1.33.[3]
  • New or more accurate photometry, standard filters, or adopting differing methods using standard stars can measure stellar magnitudes slightly differently. This may change the apparent order of lists of bright stars. The table shows measured V magnitudes, which use a specific filter that closely approximates human vision. However, other kinds of magnitude systems do exist based on different wavelengths, some well away from the distribution of the visible wavelengths of light, and these apparent magnitudes vary dramatically in the different systems.[4] For example, Betelgeuse has the K-band (infrared) apparent magnitude of −4.05.[5]
  • Some stars, like Betelgeuse and Antares, are variable stars, changing their magnitude over days, months or years. In the table, the range of variation is indicated with the symbol "var". Single magnitude values quoted for variable stars come from a variety of sources. Magnitudes shown in the table are either when the stars are at maximum brightness, which is repeated for every cycle (e.g. the eclipsing binary Algol); or, if the variations are small, a simple average magnitude. For red variable stars, specifying a single maximum brightness is often difficult because each cycle produces a different maximum brightness; this is thought to be caused by poorly understood pulsations in stellar evolution processes. Such quoted stellar brightness is sometimes based on the average maximum apparent magnitude[6] from estimated maxima over many observed light-curve cycles, sometimes spanning across centuries. Results often quoted in the literature are not necessarily straightforward and may differ in expressing an alternate value for a singular maximum brightness or as a range of values.
  • A few selected stars, thought to be uniformly fixed in brightness, are used as standard stars.[which?] These standard stars have carefully determined magnitudes that have been analysed over many years, and are often used to determine other stars' magnitudes or their stellar parameters using comparatively consistent scales.[7]

Nomenclature

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All of these stars have multiple valid names or catalogue designations. The table lists their Bayer designation and the most common proper name. Most of the proper names have been approved[8] by the Working Group on Star Names of the International Astronomical Union (IAU). Popular names which have not been approved by the IAU are omitted.

Table

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The source of magnitudes cited in this list is the linked Wikipedia articles. This basic list is a catalog of what Wikipedia itself documents. References can be found in the individual articles.

Legend
Wolf–Rayet star
O-type star
B-type star
A-type star
F-type star
G-type star
K-type star
M-type star
Brightest star of its constellation
Rank Visual magnitude (mV) Proper name[8] Bayer
designation 		Distance (ly) Spectral type Celestial Hemisphere
0 0.000−26.74 Sun 0.0 G2 V
1 0.001−1.46 Sirius α CMa 0008.6 A0mA1 Va, DA2 Southern
2 0.003−0.74 Canopus α Car 0310 A9 II Southern
3 0.004−0.27 (0.01 + 1.33) Rigil Kentaurus
& Toliman 		α Cen 0004.34 G2 V, K1 V Southern
4 0.005−0.05 Arcturus α Boo 0037 K0 III Northern
5 0.03 (−0.02–0.07var) Vega α Lyr 0025 A0 Va Northern
6 0.08 (0.03–0.16var) Capella α Aur 0043 K0 III, G1 III Northern
7 0.13 (0.05–0.18var) Rigel β Ori 0860 B8 Ia Southern
8 0.34 Procyon α CMi 0011 F5 IV-V Northern
9 0.46 (0.40–0.46var) Achernar α Eri 0140 B3 Vpe Southern
10 0.50 (0.0–1.6var) Betelgeuse α Ori 640 M1-M2 Ia-ab Northern
11 0.61 Hadar β Cen 0390 B1 III Southern
12 0.76 Altair α Aql 0017 A7 V Northern
13 0.76 (1.33 + 1.73) Acrux α Cru 0320 B0.5 IV, B1 V Southern
14 0.86 (0.75–0.95var) Aldebaran α Tau 0065 K5 III Northern
15 0.96 (0.6–1.6var) Antares α Sco 0550 M1.5 Iab-Ib, B2.5 V Southern
16 0.97 (0.97–1.04var) Spica α Vir 0250 B1 III-IV, B2 V Southern
17 1.14 Pollux β Gem 0034 K0 III Northern
18 1.16 Fomalhaut α PsA 0025 A3 V Southern
19 1.25 (1.21–1.29var) Deneb α Cyg 2,600 A2 Ia Northern
20 1.25 (1.23–1.31var) Mimosa β Cru 0280 B0.5 III, B2 V Southern
21 1.39 Regulus α Leo 0079 B8 IVn Northern
22 1.50 Adhara ε CMa 0430 B2 II Southern
23 1.58 (1.93 + 2.97) Castor α Gem 0051 A1 V, Am Northern
24 1.62 Shaula λ Sco 0570 B2 IV Southern
25 1.64 Gacrux γ Cru 0089 M3.5 III Southern
26 1.64 Bellatrix γ Ori 0250 B2 III Northern
27 1.65 Elnath β Tau/γ Aur 0130 B7 III Northern
28 1.69 Miaplacidus β Car 0110 A1 III Southern
29 1.69 (1.64–1.74var) Alnilam ε Ori 1,180 B0 Ia Southern
30 1.74 Alnair α Gru 0100 B6 V Southern
31 1.77 Alnitak ζ Ori 01,300 O9.5 Iab, B1 IV, B0 III Southern
32 1.77 Alioth ε UMa 0083 A1 III-IVp kB9 Northern
33 1.79 Dubhe α UMa 0120 K0 III, F0 V Northern
34 1.82 Mirfak α Per 0510 F5 Ib Northern
35 1.82 Wezen δ CMa 1,800 F8 Ia Southern
36 1.83 (1.81–1.87var + 4.27) Regor γ Vel 0840 WC8, O7.5III Southern
37 1.84 Sargas θ Sco 0330 F0 II Southern
38 1.85 Kaus Australis ε Sgr 0140 B9.5 III Southern
39 1.86 Avior ε Car 0600 K3 III, B2 Vp Southern
40 1.86 Alkaid η UMa 0100 B3 V Northern
41 1.90 (1.89–1.94var) Menkalinan β Aur 080 A1mIV+A1mIV Northern
42 1.91 Atria α TrA 0390 K2 IIb-IIIa Southern
43 1.92 Alhena γ Gem 0100 A1.5 IV+ Northern
44 1.94 Peacock α Pav 0180 B3 V Southern
45 1.96 (1.99–2.39var + 5.57) Alsephina δ Vel 0080 A1 Va(n), F7.5 V Southern
46 1.98 Mirzam β CMa 0500 B1 II-III Southern
47 1.98 (1.86–2.13var) Polaris α UMi 0430 F7 Ib Northern
48 2.00 Alphard α Hya 0180 K3 II-III Southern
49 2.00 Hamal α Ari 0066 K1 IIIb Northern
50 2.02 Diphda β Cet 0096 K0 III Southern
51 2.04 Mizar ζ UMa 0083 A2 Vp, A2 Vp, Am Northern
52 2.05 Nunki σ Sgr 0230 B2.5 V Southern
53 2.06 Menkent θ Cen 0059 K0 III Southern
54 2.06 Alpheratz α And/δ Peg 0097 B8 IVpMnHg, A3 V Northern
55 2.07[9] (2.01–2.10var) Mirach β And 0200 M0 III Northern
56 2.07 Rasalhague α Oph 0047 A5IVnn Northern
57 2.08 (2.37 + 3.64) Algieba γ Leo 0130 K0 III, G7 IIIb Northern
58 2.08 Kochab β UMi 0130 K4 III Northern
59 2.09 Saiph κ Ori 0650 B0.5 Ia Southern
60 2.11 Denebola β Leo 0036 A3 Va Northern
61 2.12 (2.1–3.39var) Algol β Per 0093 B8 V, K0 IV, A7m Northern
62 2.15 (2.0–2.3var) Tiaki β Gru 0170 M5 III Southern
63 2.17 Muhlifain γ Cen 0130 A0 III, A0 III Southern
64 2.21 Aspidiske ι Car 0690 A9 Ib Southern
65 2.21 (2.14–2.30var) Suhail λ Vel 0570 K4 Ib Southern
66 2.23 (2.21–2.32var) Alphecca α CrB 0075 A0 V, G5 V Northern
67 2.23 (2.23–2.35var) Mintaka δ Ori 0900 O9.5 II, B1 V, B0 IV Southern
68 2.23 Sadr γ Cyg 1,500 F8 Iab Northern
69 2.23 Eltanin γ Dra 0150 K5 III Northern
70 2.24 Schedar α Cas 0230 K0 IIIa Northern
71 2.25 Naos ζ Pup 1,080 O4 If(n)p Southern
72 2.26 Almach γ And 0350 K3 IIb, B9.5 V, B9.5 V, A0 V Northern
73 2.28 (2.25–2.31var) Caph β Cas 0054 F2 III Northern
74 2.29 Izar ε Boo 0202 K0 II-III, A2 V Northern
75 2.30 (2.29–2.34var) — α Lup 0550 B1.5 III Southern
76 2.30 (2.29–2.31var) — ε Cen 0380 B1III Southern
77 2.31 (1.6–2.32var) Dschubba δ Sco 0400 B0.3 IV, B1-3 V Southern
78 2.31 Larawag ε Sco 0065 K1 III Southern
79 2.35 (2.30–2.41var) — η Cen 0310 B1.5 Vne Southern
80 2.37 Merak β UMa 0079 A1 IVps Northern
81 2.38 Ankaa α Phe 0077 K0.5 IIIb Southern
82 2.39 Girtab κ Sco 0460 B1.5 III Southern
83 2.40 (0.7–3.0var) Enif ε Peg 0670 K2 Ib Northern
84 2.42 (2.31–2.74var) Scheat β Peg 0200 M2.5 II-IIIe Northern
85 2.43 Sabik η Oph 0088 A1 IV, A1 IV Southern
86 2.44 Phecda γ UMa 0083 A0 Ve Northern
87 2.45 Aludra η CMa 2,000 B5 Ia Southern
88 2.46 Alderamin α Cep 49 A8Vn Northern
89 2.46 Markeb κ Vel 0540 B2 IV Southern
90 2.47 (1.6–3.0var) – γ Cas 0610 B0.5 IVe Northern
91 2.48 Markab α Peg 0140 A0 IV Northern
92 2.48 Aljanah ε Cyg 0072 K0 III-IV Northern
93 2.50 Acrab β Sco 0404 B0.5 IV-V, B1.5 V, B2 V Southern

Brightest star by galaxy

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Galaxy Apparent Magnitude Star Distance (ly) Spectral type Notes
Milky Way –26.74 Sun 0 G2V
Large Magellanic Cloud 8.99 – 9.22 (variable)[10] HD 33579 163,000 A3Ia+ The Luminous Blue Variables S Doradus and R71 are brighter during their outbursts.
Small Magellanic Cloud 10.47[11] SK 69 200,000 B8Ia
Andromeda Galaxy 15.6[12] [DMM2009] J004406.32+420131 2,500,000 F2Ia
Triangulum Galaxy 14.859[13] B324 3,200,000 A8–F0Ia A yellow hypergiant.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Zombeck, Martin V. (2007). Handbook of space astronomy and astrophysics (Third ed.). Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press. pp. 75, 144–145. ISBN 978-0-521-78242-5.
  2. ^ Mallama, Anthony; Hilton, James L. (October 2018). "Computing apparent planetary magnitudes for The Astronomical Almanac". Astronomy and Computing. 25: 10–24. arXiv:1808.01973. Bibcode:2018A&C....25...10M. doi:10.1016/j.ascom.2018.08.002. S2CID 69912809.
  3. ^ Hoffleit, Dorrit; Jaschek, Carlos (1991). "The Bright star catalogue". New Haven. Bibcode:1991bsc..book.....H.
  4. ^ Bessell, Michael S. (2005). "Standard Photometric Systems". Annual Review of Astronomy & Astrophysics. 43 (1): 293–336. Bibcode:2005ARA&A..43..293B. doi:10.1146/annurev.astro.41.082801.100251. S2CID 28977639.
  5. ^ Ducati, J. R. (2002). "VizieR Online Data Catalog: Catalogue of Stellar Photometry in Johnson's 11-color system". CDS/ADC Collection of Electronic Catalogues. 2237. Bibcode:2002yCat.2237....0D.
  6. ^ Illingworth, Valerie (1979). Macmillan Dictionary of Astronomy. Dictionary Series (Second ed.). London: Springer (published April 1985). p. 237. doi:10.1007/978-1-349-17803-2. ISBN 9781349178032. OCLC 965821821. Retrieved 24 September 2016.
  7. ^ Landolt, Arlo U. (2009). "UBVRI Photometric Standard Stars Around the Celestial Equator: Updates and Additions". The Astronomical Journal. 137 (5): 4186–4269. arXiv:0904.0638. Bibcode:2009AJ....137.4186L. doi:10.1088/0004-6256/137/5/4186. S2CID 118627330.
  8. ^ a b "Naming Stars". IAU Division C WG Star Names. Retrieved 12 August 2018.
  9. ^ "HD 6860 | NASA Exoplanet Archive". exoplanetarchive.ipac.caltech.edu. Retrieved 2024-01-16.
  10. ^ "VSX : Detail for LMC V1006". www.aavso.org. Retrieved 2023-11-26.
  11. ^ Bonanos, A. Z.; Lennon, D. J.; Köhlinger, F.; van Loon, J. Th.; Massa, D. L.; Sewilo, M.; Evans, C. J.; Panagia, N.; Babler, B. L.; Block, M.; Bracker, S.; Engelbracht, C. W.; Gordon, K. D.; Hora, J. L.; Indebetouw, R. (2010-06-24). "SPITZER SAGE-SMC INFRARED PHOTOMETRY OF MASSIVE STARS IN THE SMALL MAGELLANIC CLOUD". The Astronomical Journal. 140 (2): 416–429. arXiv:1004.0949. Bibcode:2010AJ....140..416B. doi:10.1088/0004-6256/140/2/416. hdl:1887/61635. ISSN 0004-6256. S2CID 119290443.
  12. ^ Drout, Maria R.; Massey, Philip; Meynet, Georges; Tokarz, Susan; Caldwell, Nelson (2009-08-27). "Yellow Supergiants in the Andromeda Galaxy (M31)". The Astrophysical Journal. 703 (1): 441–460. arXiv:0907.5471. Bibcode:2009ApJ...703..441D. doi:10.1088/0004-637x/703/1/441. ISSN 0004-637X. S2CID 16955101.
  13. ^ Massey, Philip; Olsen, K. A. G.; Hodge, Paul W.; Strong, Shay B.; Jacoby, George H.; Schlingman, Wayne; Smith, R. C. (May 2006). "A Survey of Local Group Galaxies Currently Forming Stars. I.UBVRIPhotometry of Stars in M31 and M33". The Astronomical Journal. 131 (5): 2478–2496. arXiv:astro-ph/0602128. Bibcode:2006AJ....131.2478M. doi:10.1086/503256. ISSN 0004-6256.
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