Aludra is a star in the constellationCanis Major (Eta Canis Majoris) approximately 3200 light years away. It is categorized as a blue B5Ia supergiant — 100 times larger than our Sun and 100,000 times brighter, or luminous.
The name Aludra originates from the Arabic: Al 'Adhra, the singular of Al 'Adhara, "The Virgins." In ancient times Arabic astrologers/astronomers referred to a group of four stars in the Canis Major constellation, also known as the "Greater Dog", as Al 'Adhara.
Some of the Virgins, including Aludra and Wezen, are in a loose stellar association known as Collinder 121.
Formed only about 12 million years ago, Aludra is already in old age, blowing a strong stellar wind from its surface at a speed of some 500 km/s.
A seventh magnitude white star about 2' from Aludra, easily visible in a small telescope, is not a physical companion but lies a mere 600 light-years from the Sun.
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