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Or select it on the map:
This Earth map fragment is intended to illustrate celestial motion across the sky, emphasizing both bearing and elevational perspectives. The map's center point corresponds to the transit, showcasing celestial objects at their highest point, while elevation gradually decreases towards the map edges. This dynamic representation offers insights into the changing positions of celestial bodies with a focus on their bearing and elevational trajectories.
Your location: Columbus, United States
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Latitude:
39.9625
Longitude:
-83.0061

The 20 Brightest Stars in the Night Sky

Sky Map

Celectial bearing and elevation at 21:43
This skymap is a dynamic visualization that displays the positions of celestial objets in the night sky for your specific location on the current date. It allows you to interactively explore the celestial landscape by moving it horizontally, enabling you to preview how the arrangement of stars will change as the night progresses.
Welcome to our guide on the ten brightest stars in the night sky! As you embark on this celestial journey, you’ll encounter the most luminous stars visible from Earth, each with its own unique characteristics and significance in the cosmos.
Observing these stellar luminaries requires minimal equipment—many are visible to the naked eye, even in areas with some light pollution. Whether you’re in a rural location with a clear view of the heavens or in an urban area with a telescope, these stars offer a spectacular display that can ignite a lifelong passion for astronomy.
Embark on this stellar adventure and discover the brilliance that has captivated humanity for millennia. Happy stargazing!

Arcturus

Star

Arcturus
↗ 21:43 ↘ 07:37 ↑ 69°
☼ -0.1 ✣ -
Arcturus, the fourth brightest star, is an orange giant in the constellation Boötes. Its distinctive hue and brightness make it easily recognizable in the night sky.
More about Arcturus

Vega

Star

Vega
↗ 21:43 ↘ 13:39 ↑ 89°
☼ 0 ✣ -
Vega, the fifth brightest star, is part of the constellation Lyra. It is one of the most luminous stars visible from Earth and a prominent member of the Summer Triangle asterism.
More about Vega

Altair

Star

Altair
↗ 23:36 ↘ 12:34 ↑ 57°
☼ 0.8 ✣ -
Altair is a bright white star located in the constellation Aquila. It is one of the closest stars visible to Earth and forms one vertex of the prominent Summer Triangle asterism.
More about Altair

Spica

Star

Spica
↗ 21:43 ↘ 05:12 ↑ 39°
☼ 1 ✣ -
Spica is a binary star system located in the constellation Virgo. It is one of the brightest stars in the night sky and plays a significant role in many celestial navigational systems.
More about Spica

Pollux

Star

Pollux
↗ 21:43 ↘ 05:12 ↑ 43°
☼ 1.2 ✣ -
Pollux is part of the Gemini twins, a bright yellow-orange giant star. It is one of the two brightest stars in the constellation Gemini, easily visible to the naked eye.
More about Pollux

Deneb

Star

Deneb
↗ 21:43 ↘ 16:45 ↑ 70°
☼ 1.3 ✣ -
Deneb is part of the Summer Triangle, one of the most luminous stars known. Located in the constellation Cygnus, it is a massive white supergiant and serves as a beacon in the night sky.
More about Deneb

Regulus

Star

Regulus
↗ 21:43 ↘ 05:12 ↑ 57°
☼ 1.4 ✣ -
Regulus is a prominent star in the constellation Leo, known for its bluish-white color and brightness. It is the brightest star in Leo and one of the brightest stars in the night sky.
More about Regulus

Castor

Star

Castor
↗ 21:43 ↘ 05:12 ↑ 43°
☼ 1.6 ✣ -
Castor is part of the Gemini twins, forming a binary star system. It is one of the brightest stars in the constellation Gemini and is easily visible to the naked eye.
More about Castor

Alioth

Star

Alioth
↗ - ↘ - ↑ 74°
☼ 1.8 ✣ -
Alioth is a bright star in the constellation Ursa Major, forming part of the Big Dipper asterism. It is one of the brightest stars in the northern hemisphere night sky.
More about Alioth

Dubhe

Star

Dubhe
↗ - ↘ - ↑ 68°
☼ 1.8 ✣ -
Dubhe, also known as Alpha Ursae Majoris, is a prominent star in the constellation Ursa Major. It is one of the stars forming the Big Dipper asterism.
More about Dubhe

Alkaid

Star

Alkaid
↗ 21:43 ↘ 11:09 ↑ 81°
☼ 1.9 ✣ -
Alkaid, also known as Eta Ursae Majoris, is a star in the constellation Ursa Major. It is the end star of the Big Dipper's handle and is easily identifiable.
More about Alkaid

Menkalinan

Star

Menkalinan
↗ 21:43 ↘ 05:12 ↑ 32°
☼ 1.9 ✣ -
Menkalinan, also known as Beta Aurigae, is a bright star in the constellation Auriga. It is one of the brightest stars in Auriga and serves as a navigational marker for astronomers.
More about Menkalinan

Polaris

Star

Polaris
↗ - ↘ - ↑ 40°
☼ 2 ✣ -
Polaris, also known as the North Star or Alpha Ursae Minoris, is the brightest star in the constellation Ursa Minor. It is almost directly aligned with the Earth's rotational axis, making it a stable point in the night sky for navigation.
More about Polaris

Alphard

Star

Alphard
↗ 21:43 ↘ 05:12 ↑ 34°
☼ 2 ✣ -
Alphard is a prominent star in the constellation Hydra, known for its reddish hue. It is one of the brightest stars in the constellation and visible from both hemispheres.
More about Alphard