Alpha (α) Canis Majoris

Alpha Canis Majoris, also known as Sirius or the Big Dog, is the brightest star in the night sky. Located about 8.6 light-years from Earth, it's part of the Canis Major constellation. Sirius is a binary star system, meaning it consists of two stars orbiting each other: a main-sequence star called Sirius A, which is similar to our Sun but larger and brighter, and a faint white dwarf companion named Sirius B. Its brilliant shine is due to its intrinsic luminosity and proximity to Earth, making it a key object for astronomers and a prominent feature in many cultures' skies.