Sirius - Alpha Canis Major - is one of the brightest stars in the night sky. It can be observed from anywhere on the Earth, excluding the northernmost regions. It is 8.6 light years distant from the solar system and is one of the closest stars to us.
Necessary
Observation conditions: clear night sky
Instructions
Step 1
Main characteristics of Sirius Sirius is the brightest star in the constellation Canis Major, and the entire night sky. In the Northern Hemisphere, Sirius can be seen atop the Winter Triangle. Sirius is brighter than the closest star to the Sun, Alpha Centauri. If the exact coordinates are known, this star can be seen during the day, provided that the sky is clear and the Sun is close to the horizon. The closest star to Sirius is Procyon. Sirius is 2.6 parsecs from the Sun. The star ranks seventh in distance from the Sun and first in the ten brightest stars. Currently, Sirius is approaching us at a speed of 7.6 km / s, so over time, the brightness of the star will only grow.
Step 2
Sirius A and Sirius B Sirius is a type of binary star, which consists of the star Sirius A and the white dwarf Sirius B, orbiting the center of mass with a period of approximately 50 years. The average distance between these stars is about 20 AU. That is, which is comparable to the distance from the Sun to Uranus. The visible star is called Sirius A. Sirius B at the farthest distance from Sirius A (11 arc seconds) can also be seen in a small telescope. It is difficult to observe near Sirius A.
Step 3
How to find Sirius in the sky Sirius is located in the southern hemisphere of the sky. Since the declination of Sirius is small, it can be observed up to 74 degrees north latitude. In the autumn, it is visible in the morning. In winter - all night. In the spring - some time after sunset. Sirius is the sixth brightest object in the earth's sky. Only the Sun, the Moon, the planets Venus, Jupiter and Mars are brighter than it during the period of the best visibility. The main reference point for observations is the Orion belt. A straight line drawn through it on one side will point to Aldebaran in the northwestern part of the sky, the other - to Sirius in the southeastern part. Sirius and Aldeberan cannot be confused, as they differ greatly in color and brightness. Also Sirius can be found using other stars: look southwest of the bright star Procyon, 35 degrees north of Canopus, 30 degrees south of Alcheny (constellation Gemini) and 15 degrees east of Arneb (constellation Hare). The exact coordinates of Sirius: right ascension 06h45m08.9173grad., Declination minus 16grad42m58.017s. Constellation Canis Major. Today Sirius is clearly visible in the Northern Hemisphere. However, after about 11,000 years, Sirius will not be visible in Europe at all.
