Sections

Catalogues

Tools and Links

Galactic Map

Show the direction and distance to this object on the Galactic Map.

Procyon

Anneka, Alpha Canis Minoris, 10 Canis Minoris

Bright Yellow Star in Canis Minor

Show on Sky Map

Proper Name	Procyon
Bayer Designation	Alpha Canis Minoris
Flamsteed Number	10 Canis Minoris
HR (BSC)	2943
HD	61421
Constellation	Canis Minor
Right Ascension	7h 39m 18s
Declination	+5° 13' 30"
Distance	11.5 light years 3.5 parsecs
Magnitude	Apparent: +0.4 Absolute: +2.7
Spectral Class	F5IV-V Bright Yellow Subgiant
Optimum Visibility	January / February
Notes	Has a White Dwarf companion, Procyon B, and may be a Delta Scuti Variable

A very prominent and nearby star, Procyon is not only the fifth brightest star in the sky, but is also just over eleven light years from the Sun. The primary star is an F-type subgiant, but this has a tiny companion: a White Dwarf star.

Imagery provided by Aladin sky atlas

Procyon, easily the brightest of the stars of Canis Minor, lies near the centre of its small home constellation.

Possible appearance of Procyon: the small but massive White Dwarf component draws tendrils of matter from its much larger but less dense yellow companion.

Indexes

Related Entries

v2.1g