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Encyclopedia > List of brightest stars

Bright stars can be bright because they produce more light, because they are closer to us, or both. Apparent magnitude measures the brightness we observe, while absolute magnitude indicates a star's true brightness.

Contents


By apparent magnitude

Below are the 100 brightest stars as seen from Earth (by apparent magnitude at visible wavelengths) according to the Hipparcos sky survey. The Pleiades star cluster A star is a massive body of plasma in outer space that is currently producing or has produced energy through nuclear fusion. ... Earth is the third planet in the solar system. ... // Headline text HEY!! HOW ARE YOU ALL?? Its nice of you to come read this page. ... Hipparcos (for High Precision Parallax Collecting Satellite) was an astrometry mission of the European Space Agency (ESA) dedicated to the measurement of stellar parallax and the proper motions of stars. ...


The exact order of this list is not completely well-defined because of the following reasons:

  • Double stars here are sometimes treated individually, while other lists may combine their brightness.
  • There are statistical variations in measured values.
  • Some stars are actually variable stars (as indicated with var).
  Magnitude Bayer Designation Proper name Distance (ly) External link
0 −26.73   The Sun 0.000 016
1 −1.44 α CMa Sirius 8.61 Sirius on SIMBAD.
2 −0.62 α Car Canopus 312 Canopus on SIMBAD.
3 −0.05 var α Boo Arcturus 36.7 Arcturus on SIMBAD.
4 −0.01 α1 Cen Alpha Centauri A 4.40 Alpha Centauri A on SIMBAD.
5 0.03 α Lyr Vega 25.3 Vega on SIMBAD.
6 0.08 α Aur Capella 42.2 Capella on SIMBAD.
7 0.18 β Ori Rigel 773 Rigel on SIMBAD.
8 0.4 α Cmi Procyon 11.4 Procyon on SIMBAD.
9 0.45 α Eri Achernar 144 Achernar on SIMBAD.
10 0.45 var α Ori Betelgeuse 427 Betelgeuse on SIMBAD.
11 0.61 β Cen Hadar 525 Hadar on SIMBAD.
12 0.76 α Aql Altair 16.8 Altair on SIMBAD.
13 0.77 α Cru Acrux 321 Acrux on SIMBAD.
14 0.87 var α Tau Aldebaran 65.1 Aldebaran on SIMBAD.
15 0.98 α Vir Spica 262 Spica on SIMBAD.
16 1.06 α Sco Antares 604 Antares on SIMBAD.
17 1.16 β Gem Pollux 33.7 Pollux on SIMBAD.
18 1.17 α PsA Fomalhaut 25.1 Fomalhaut on SIMBAD.
19 1.25 β Cru Becrux 353 Becrux on SIMBAD.
20 1.25 α Cyg Deneb 3229 Deneb on SIMBAD.
21 1.35 α2 Cen Alpha Centauri B 4.40 Alpha Centauri B on SIMBAD.
22 1.36 α Leo Regulus 77.5 Regulus on SIMBAD.
23 1.5 ε CMa Adhara 431 Adhara on SIMBAD.
24 1.58 α Gem Castor 51.6 Castor on SIMBAD.
25 1.59 γ Cru Gacrux 87.9 Gacrux on SIMBAD.
26 1.62 λ Sco Shaula 703 Shaula on SIMBAD.
27 1.64 γ Ori Bellatrix 243 Bellatrix on SIMBAD.
28 1.65 β Tau El Nath 131 El Nath on SIMBAD.
29 1.67 β Car Miaplacidus 111 Miaplacidus on SIMBAD.
30 1.69 ε Ori Alnilam 1342 Alnilam on SIMBAD.
31 1.73 α Gru Al Na'ir 101 Al Na'ir on SIMBAD.
32 1.74 ζ Ori Alnitak 817 Alnitak on SIMBAD.
33 1.75 γ Vel Gamma Velorum 841 Gamma Velorum on SIMBAD.
34 1.76 ε UMa Alioth 80.9 Alioth on SIMBAD.
35 1.79 α Per Mirfak 592 Mirfak on SIMBAD.
36 1.79 ε Sgr Kaus Australis 145 Kaus Australis on SIMBAD.
37 1.81 α UMa Dubhe 124 Dubhe on SIMBAD.
38 1.83 δ CMa Wezen 1792 Wezen on SIMBAD.
39 1.85 η UMa Alkaid / Benetnasch 101 Benetnasch on SIMBAD.
40 1.86 ε Car Avior 632 Avior on SIMBAD.
41 1.86 θ Sco Sargas 272 Sargas on SIMBAD.
42 1.9 β Aur Menkalinan 82.1 Menkalinan on SIMBAD.
43 1.91 α TrA Atria 416 Atria on SIMBAD.
44 1.93 γ Gem Alhena 105 Alhena on SIMBAD.
45 1.93 δ Vel Delta Velorum 79.8 Delta Velorum on SIMBAD.
46 1.94 α Pav Peacock 183 Peacock on SIMBAD.
47 1.97 var α UMi Polaris 431 Polaris on SIMBAD.
48 1.98 β CMa Murzim 499 Murzim on SIMBAD.
49 1.99 α Hya Alphard 177 Alphard on SIMBAD.
50 2.01 α Ari Hamal 65.9 Hamal on SIMBAD.
51 2.01 γ Leo Algieba 126 Algieba on SIMBAD.
52 2.04 β Cet Deneb Kaitos 95.8 Deneb Kaitos+ on SIMBAD.
53 2.05 σ Sgr Nunki 224 Nunki on SIMBAD.
54 2.06 θ Cen Menkent 60.9 Menkent on SIMBAD.
55 2.07 α And Alpheratz 97.1 Alpheratz on SIMBAD.
56 2.07 κ Ori Saiph 720 Saiph on SIMBAD.
57 2.07 β And Mirach 199 Mirach on SIMBAD.
58 2.07 β UMi Kochab 126 Kochab on SIMBAD.
59 2.07 β Gru Beta Gruis 170 Beta Gruis on SIMBAD.
60 2.08 α Oph Ras Alhague 46.7 Ras Alhague on SIMBAD.
61 2.09 var β Per Algol 92.8 Algol on SIMBAD.
62 2.1 γ And Alamach 355 Alamach on SIMBAD.
63 2.14 β Leo Denebola 36.2 Denebola on SIMBAD.
64 2.15 γ Cas Gamma Cassiopeiae 613 Gamma Cassiopeiae on SIMBAD.
65 2.2 γ Cen Gamma Centauri 130 Gamma Centauri on SIMBAD.
66 2.21 ζ Pup Naos 1340 Zeta Puppis on SIMBAD.
67 2.21 ι Car Aspidiske 692 Aspidiske on SIMBAD.
68 2.22 α CrB Gemma / Alphecca 74.7 Alphecca on SIMBAD.
69 2.23 λ Vel Lambda Velorum 573 Lambda Velorum on SIMBAD.
70 2.23 ζ UMa Mizar 78.2 Mizar on SIMBAD.
71 2.23 γ Cyg Sadr 1524 Sadr on SIMBAD.
72 2.24 α Cas Schedar 229 Schedar on SIMBAD.
73 2.24 γ Dra Eltanin 148 Eltanin on SIMBAD.
74 2.25 δ Ori Mintaka 916 Mintaka on SIMBAD.
75 2.28 β Cas Caph 54.5 Caph on SIMBAD.
76 2.29 ε Cen Epsilon Centauri 376 Epsil+n Centauri on SIMBAD.
77 2.29 δ Sco Dschubba 402 Dschubba on SIMBAD.
78 2.29 ε Sco Wei 65.4 Wei on SIMBAD.
79 2.3 α Lup Alpha Lupi 548 Alpha+Lupi on SIMBAD.
80 2.33 η Cen Eta Centauri 309 Eta C+ntauri on SIMBAD.
81 2.34 β UMa Merak 79.4 Merak on SIMBAD.
82 2.35 ε Boo Izar 210 Izar on SIMBAD.
83 2.38 ε Peg Enif 673 Enif on SIMBAD.
84 2.39 κ Sco Girtab 464 Girtab on SIMBAD.
85 2.4 α Phe Ankaa 77.4 Ankaa on SIMBAD.
86 2.41 γ UMa Phecda 83.7 Phecda on SIMBAD.
87 2.43 η Oph Sabik 84.1 Sabik on SIMBAD.
88 2.44 β Peg Scheat 199 Scheat on SIMBAD.
89 2.45 α Cep Alderamin 48.8 Alderamin on SIMBAD.
90 2.45 η CMa Aludra 3198 Aludra on SIMBAD.
91 2.47 κ Vel Kappa Velorum 539 Kappa Velorum on SIMBAD.
92 2.48 ε Cyg Gienah 72.1 Gienah on SIMBAD.
93 2.49 α Peg Markab 140 Markab on SIMBAD.
94 2.54 α Cet Menkar 220 Menkar on SIMBAD.
95 2.54 ζ Oph Zeta Ophiuchi 458 Zeta Ophiuchi on SIMBAD.
96 2.55 ζ Cen Zeta Centauri 385 Zeta Centauri on SIMBAD.
97 2.56 δ Leo Zosma 57.7 Zosma on SIMBAD.
98 2.56 β Sco Acrab 530 Acrab on SIMBAD.
99 2.58 α Lep Arneb 1284 Arneb on SIMBAD.
100 2.58 δ Cen Delta Centauri 395 Delta Centauri on SIMBAD.

Most stars are of almost constant luminosity. ... Many of the brighter stars are given names which are known as Bayer designations. ... A light year, abbreviated ly, is the distance light travels in one year: roughly 9. ... The Sun is the star at the center of Earths solar system. ... Sirius (α CMa / α Canis Majoris / Alpha Canis Majoris) is the brightest star in the nighttime sky, with a visual apparent magnitude of −1. ... SIMBAD (the Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data) is a database of astronomical information about objects within the Milky Way. ... Canopus (α Car / α Carinae / Alpha Carinae) is the brightest star in the southern constellation of Carina, and the second brightest star in the sky, with a visual magnitude of −0. ... SIMBAD (the Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data) is a database of astronomical information about objects within the Milky Way. ... Arcturus (α Boo / α Boötis / Alpha Boötis) is the brightest star in the constellation Boötes, and the third brightest star in the night sky, with a visual magnitude of −0. ... SIMBAD (the Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data) is a database of astronomical information about objects within the Milky Way. ... Alpha Centauri A is a star of the star system Alpha Centauri. ... SIMBAD (the Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data) is a database of astronomical information about objects within the Milky Way. ... Vega (also known as Alpha Lyrae or 3 Lyrae) is a star approximately 25. ... SIMBAD (the Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data) is a database of astronomical information about objects within the Milky Way. ... Capella (α Aur / α Aurigae / Alpha Aurigae) is the brightest star in the constellation Auriga and sixth brightest star in the sky. ... SIMBAD (the Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data) is a database of astronomical information about objects within the Milky Way. ... Rigel (pronounced ) (β Orionis) is the brightest star in the constellation Orion and the seventh brightest star in the sky, with visual magnitude 0. ... SIMBAD (the Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data) is a database of astronomical information about objects within the Milky Way. ... Procyon (α CMi / α Canis Minoris / Alpha Canis Minoris) is the brightest star in the constellation Canis Minor and the eighth brightest star in the nighttime sky. ... SIMBAD (the Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data) is a database of astronomical information about objects within the Milky Way. ... The position of Achernar Achernar (α Eri / α Eridani / Alpha Eridani) is the brightest star in the constellation Eridanus and the ninth brightest star in the nighttime sky. ... SIMBAD (the Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data) is a database of astronomical information about objects within the Milky Way. ... Hubble UV picture of Betelgeuse. ... SIMBAD (the Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data) is a database of astronomical information about objects within the Milky Way. ... Beta Centauri (β Cen / β Centauri), also known as Hadar or Agena, is the second brightest star in the constellation Centaurus and the eleventh brightest star in the nighttime sky. ... SIMBAD (the Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data) is a database of astronomical information about objects within the Milky Way. ... Altair (α Aql / α Aquilae / Alpha Aquilae / Atair ) is the brightest star in the constellation Aquila and the twelfth brightest star in the nighttime sky, at visual magnitude 0. ... SIMBAD (the Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data) is a database of astronomical information about objects within the Milky Way. ... Acrux (α Cru / α Crucis / Alpha Crucis) is the brightest star in constellation Crux (the Southern Cross) and the thirteenth brightest star in the nighttime sky, at visual magnitude 0. ... SIMBAD (the Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data) is a database of astronomical information about objects within the Milky Way. ... Comparison between Aldebaran and the Sun Aldebaran, (α Tau / α Tauri / Alpha Tauri), is the brightest star in the constellation Taurus and one of the brightest stars in the nighttime sky. ... SIMBAD (the Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data) is a database of astronomical information about objects within the Milky Way. ... Spica (α Vir / α Virginis / Alpha Virginis) is the brightest star in the constellation Virgo, and one of the brightest stars in the nighttime sky. ... SIMBAD (the Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data) is a database of astronomical information about objects within the Milky Way. ... Antares (α Sco / α Scorpii / Alpha Scorpii) is the brightest star in the constellation Scorpius and one of the brightest stars in the nighttime sky. ... SIMBAD (the Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data) is a database of astronomical information about objects within the Milky Way. ... Pollux (β Gem / β Geminorum / Beta Geminorum) is one of the brightest star in the constellation Gemini and one of the brightest stars in the nighttime sky. ... SIMBAD (the Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data) is a database of astronomical information about objects within the Milky Way. ... Fomalhaut (α PsA / α Piscis Austrini / Alpha Piscis Austrini) is the brightest star in the constellation Piscis Austrinus and one of the brightest stars in the nighttime sky. ... SIMBAD (the Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data) is a database of astronomical information about objects within the Milky Way. ... Becrux (β Cru / β Crucis / Beta Crucis) is the second brightest star in the constellation Crux and one of the one of the brightest stars in the nighttime sky. ... SIMBAD (the Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data) is a database of astronomical information about objects within the Milky Way. ... Deneb (α Cyg / α Cygni / Alpha Cygni) is the brightest star in the constellation Cygnus and one of the brightest stars in the night sky, with apparent magnitude 1. ... SIMBAD (the Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data) is a database of astronomical information about objects within the Milky Way. ... Alpha Centauri B (also Rigel Kentaurus B — the foot of the centaur in Arabic) is a star of the Alpha Centauri star system. ... SIMBAD (the Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data) is a database of astronomical information about objects within the Milky Way. ... Regulus (α Leo / α Leonis / Alpha Leonis) is the brightest star in the constellation Leo and one of the brightest stars in the nighttime sky. ... SIMBAD (the Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data) is a database of astronomical information about objects within the Milky Way. ... Epsilon Canis Majoris (ε CMa / ε Canis Majoris), is the second brightest star in the constellation Canis Major, and one of the brightest stars in the nighttime sky. ... SIMBAD (the Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data) is a database of astronomical information about objects within the Milky Way. ... Castor (α Gem / α Geminorum / Alpha Geminorum) is the second brightest star in the constellation Gemini and one of the brightest stars in the nighttime sky. ... SIMBAD (the Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data) is a database of astronomical information about objects within the Milky Way. ... Gacrux (γ Cru / γ Crucis / Gamma Crucis) is the third brightest star in constellation Crux (the Southern Cross) and the one of the brightest stars in the nighttime sky. ... SIMBAD (the Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data) is a database of astronomical information about objects within the Milky Way. ... Lambda Scorpii (λ Sco / λ Scorpii) is the second brightest star system in the constellation Scorpius, and one of the brightest stars in the nighttime sky. ... SIMBAD (the Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data) is a database of astronomical information about objects within the Milky Way. ... Gamma Orionis (γ Ori / γ Orionis / Bellatrix) is the third brightest star in the constellation Orion and the twenty-second brightest star in the nighttime sky. ... SIMBAD (the Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data) is a database of astronomical information about objects within the Milky Way. ... Elnath (or El Nath), is a star in the constellation Taurus. ... SIMBAD (the Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data) is a database of astronomical information about objects within the Milky Way. ... Beta Carinae (β Car / β Carinae) is the second brightest star in the constellation Carina and one of the brightest stars in the nighttime sky, with apparent magnitude 1. ... SIMBAD (the Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data) is a database of astronomical information about objects within the Milky Way. ... Epsilon Orionis (ε Ori / ε Orionis) is a large blue star in the constellation of Orion. ... SIMBAD (the Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data) is a database of astronomical information about objects within the Milky Way. ... Alpha Gruis (α Gru / α Gruis) is the brighest star in the constellation Grus. ... SIMBAD (the Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data) is a database of astronomical information about objects within the Milky Way. ... Zeta Orionis is a star in the constellation Orion. ... SIMBAD (the Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data) is a database of astronomical information about objects within the Milky Way. ... Gamma Velorum (γ Vel / γ Velorum) is a star system in the constellation Vela. ... SIMBAD (the Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data) is a database of astronomical information about objects within the Milky Way. ... Ursa Major Epsilon Ursae Majoris (ε UMa / ε Ursae Majoris) is the brightest star in the constellation Ursa Major (despite its Bayer designation being merely epsilon), and at magnitude 1. ... SIMBAD (the Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data) is a database of astronomical information about objects within the Milky Way. ... Mirfak (also known as Algenib, and designated α Persei) is the brightest star in the constellation of Perseus. ... SIMBAD (the Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data) is a database of astronomical information about objects within the Milky Way. ... Epsilon Sagittarii (ε Sgr / ε Sagittarii) is a binary star in the constellation Sagittarius. ... SIMBAD (the Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data) is a database of astronomical information about objects within the Milky Way. ... Alpha Ursae Majoris (α UMa / α Ursae Majoris) is the second-brightest star in the constellation of Ursa Major (despite its Bayer designation of alpha). It also has the traditional name Dubhe. ... SIMBAD (the Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data) is a database of astronomical information about objects within the Milky Way. ... Delta Canis Majoris (δ CMa / δ Canis Majoris) is the name of a star in the constellation Canis Major. ... SIMBAD (the Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data) is a database of astronomical information about objects within the Milky Way. ... Eta Ursae Majoris (η UMa / η Ursae Majoris) is a star in the constellation Ursa Major. ... Eta Ursae Majoris (η UMa / η Ursae Majoris) is a star in the constellation Ursa Major. ... SIMBAD (the Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data) is a database of astronomical information about objects within the Milky Way. ... Epsilon Carinae (ε Car / ε Carinae) is a star in the constellation Carina. ... SIMBAD (the Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data) is a database of astronomical information about objects within the Milky Way. ... Theta Scorpii (θ Sco / θ Scorpii) is a binary star in the constellation Scorpius. ... SIMBAD (the Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data) is a database of astronomical information about objects within the Milky Way. ... Beta Aurigae (β Aur / β Aurigae) is the second brightest star in the constellation Auriga. ... SIMBAD (the Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data) is a database of astronomical information about objects within the Milky Way. ... Alpha Trianguli Australis (α TrA / α Trianguli Australis) is a star in the constellation Triangulum Australe. ... SIMBAD (the Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data) is a database of astronomical information about objects within the Milky Way. ... Alhena is the γ star in the constellation of Gemini Gamma Geminorum (γ Gem / γ Geminorum) is a star in the constellation Gemini. ... SIMBAD (the Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data) is a database of astronomical information about objects within the Milky Way. ... Delta Velorum (δ Vel / δ Velorum) is a star system in the constellation Vela. ... SIMBAD (the Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data) is a database of astronomical information about objects within the Milky Way. ... Peacock is the α star in the constellation of Pavo Alpha Pavonis (α Pav / α Pavonis) is a star in the constellation Pavo. ... SIMBAD (the Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data) is a database of astronomical information about objects within the Milky Way. ... Polaris (α UMi / α Ursae Minoris / Alpha Ursae Minoris) is the brightest star in the constellation Ursa Minor. ... SIMBAD (the Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data) is a database of astronomical information about objects within the Milky Way. ... Beta Canis Majoris (β CMa / β Canis Majoris) is a star in the constellation of Canis Major. ... SIMBAD (the Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data) is a database of astronomical information about objects within the Milky Way. ... Alphard is the α star in the constellation of Hydra Alphard (Bayer designation α Hydrae) is the brightest star in the constellation Hydra. ... SIMBAD (the Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data) is a database of astronomical information about objects within the Milky Way. ... Alpha Arietis (α Ari / α Arietis) is the brightest star in the constellation Aries. ... SIMBAD (the Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data) is a database of astronomical information about objects within the Milky Way. ... Gamma Leonis (γ Leo / γ Leonis) is a binary star system in the constellation Leo. ... SIMBAD (the Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data) is a database of astronomical information about objects within the Milky Way. ... Beta Ceti (β Cet / β Ceti) is the brightest star in the constellation Cetus. ... SIMBAD (the Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data) is a database of astronomical information about objects within the Milky Way. ... Nunki is the σ star in the constellation of Sagittarius Sigma Sagitarii (σ Sgr / σ Sagittarii) is the second brightest star system in the constellation Sagittarius. ... SIMBAD (the Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data) is a database of astronomical information about objects within the Milky Way. ... Theta Centauri (θ Cen / θ Centauri) is a star in the constellation Centaurus. ... SIMBAD (the Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data) is a database of astronomical information about objects within the Milky Way. ... Alpha Andromedae (α And / α Andromedae) is the brightest star in the Andromeda constellation, which is located immediately northwest of Pegasus. ... SIMBAD (the Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data) is a database of astronomical information about objects within the Milky Way. ... Kappa Orionis (κ Ori / κ Orionis) is the sixth-brightest star in the constellation of Orion. ... SIMBAD (the Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data) is a database of astronomical information about objects within the Milky Way. ... Beta Andromedae (β And / β Andromedae) is a star in the constellation Andromeda. ... SIMBAD (the Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data) is a database of astronomical information about objects within the Milky Way. ... Beta Ursae Minoris (β UMi / β Ursae Minoris) is the second brightest star in the bowl of the Little Dipper, the constellation Ursa Minor. ... SIMBAD (the Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data) is a database of astronomical information about objects within the Milky Way. ... Grus (Latin for Crane) is a southern constellation. ... SIMBAD (the Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data) is a database of astronomical information about objects within the Milky Way. ... Ras Alhague is the α star in the constellation of Ophiuchus Ras Alhague (Bayer designation Alpha Ophiuchus) is the brightest star in the constellation Ophiuchus. ... SIMBAD (the Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data) is a database of astronomical information about objects within the Milky Way. ... ALGOL (short for ALGOrithmic Language) is a family of imperative computer programming languages originally developed in the mid 1950s which became the de facto standard way to report algorithms in print for almost the next 30 years. ... SIMBAD (the Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data) is a database of astronomical information about objects within the Milky Way. ... Gamma Andromedae (γ And / γ Andromedae) is a four star system in the constellation Andromeda. ... SIMBAD (the Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data) is a database of astronomical information about objects within the Milky Way. ... Denebola (β Leo / β Leonis / Beta Leonis) is the second brightest star in the constellation Leo. ... SIMBAD (the Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data) is a database of astronomical information about objects within the Milky Way. ... Gamma Cassiopeiae (γ Cas / γ Cassiopeiae) is an eruptive variable star, whose brightness changes irregularly between +2. ... SIMBAD (the Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data) is a database of astronomical information about objects within the Milky Way. ... Gamma Centauri (γ Cen / γ Centauri) is a star in the constellation Centaurus. ... SIMBAD (the Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data) is a database of astronomical information about objects within the Milky Way. ... Zeta Puppis (ζ Pup / ζ Puppis) is a star in the constellation of Puppis. ... SIMBAD (the Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data) is a database of astronomical information about objects within the Milky Way. ... Iota Carinae (ι Car / ι Carinae) is a star in the constellation Carina. ... SIMBAD (the Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data) is a database of astronomical information about objects within the Milky Way. ... Alpha Coronae Borealis (α CrB / α Coronae Borealis) is a binary star in the constellation Corona Borealis. ... Alpha Coronae Borealis (α CrB / α Coronae Borealis) is a binary star in the constellation Corona Borealis. ... SIMBAD (the Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data) is a database of astronomical information about objects within the Milky Way. ... Lambda Velorum (λ Vel / λ Velorum) is a star in the constellation Vela. ... SIMBAD (the Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data) is a database of astronomical information about objects within the Milky Way. ... Mizar (ζ UMa / ζ Ursae Majoris / Zeta Ursae Majoris) is a star in the constellation Ursa Major, lying just at the corner of the Big Dippers handle. ... SIMBAD (the Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data) is a database of astronomical information about objects within the Milky Way. ... Sadr (also spelled Sadir or Sador) is the star Gamma Cygni. ... SIMBAD (the Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data) is a database of astronomical information about objects within the Milky Way. ... Alpha Cassiopeiae (α Cas / α Cassiopeiae ) is the second-brightest star in the constellation Cassiopeia (magnitude 2. ... SIMBAD (the Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data) is a database of astronomical information about objects within the Milky Way. ... Gamma Draconis (γ Dra / γ Draconis) is a star in the constellation Draco. ... SIMBAD (the Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data) is a database of astronomical information about objects within the Milky Way. ... Delta Orionis (δ Ori) is one of the three stars of the belt of the constellation Orion. ... SIMBAD (the Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data) is a database of astronomical information about objects within the Milky Way. ... Beta Cassiopeiae (β Cas / β Cassiopeiae) is a star in the constellation Cassiopeia. ... SIMBAD (the Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data) is a database of astronomical information about objects within the Milky Way. ... Epsilon Centauri (ε Cen / ε Centauri) is a star in the constellation Centaurus. ... SIMBAD (the Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data) is a database of astronomical information about objects within the Milky Way. ... Delta Scorpii (δ Sco / δ Scorpii) is a star in the constellation Scorpius. ... SIMBAD (the Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data) is a database of astronomical information about objects within the Milky Way. ... Wei (魏) refers to: Northern Wei Dynasty, archaeologically the most famous of the Wei dynasties The State of Wei during the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period The Kingdom of Wei during the Three Kingdoms Period The Kingdom of Wei founded by Ran Min during the Period... SIMBAD (the Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data) is a database of astronomical information about objects within the Milky Way. ... Alpha Lupi (α Lup / α Lupi) is a star in the constellation Lupus. ... SIMBAD (the Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data) is a database of astronomical information about objects within the Milky Way. ... Eta Centauri (η Cen / η Centauri) is a star in the constellation Centaurus. ... SIMBAD (the Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data) is a database of astronomical information about objects within the Milky Way. ... Merak is the proper name for the star β Ursae Majoris in the constellation of Ursa Major. ... SIMBAD (the Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data) is a database of astronomical information about objects within the Milky Way. ... Epsilon Boötis (ε Boo / ε Boötis) is a star in the constellation Boötes. ... SIMBAD (the Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data) is a database of astronomical information about objects within the Milky Way. ... Epsilon Pegasi (ε Peg / ε Pegasi) is a star in the constellation Pegasus. ... SIMBAD (the Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data) is a database of astronomical information about objects within the Milky Way. ... Girtab is the name of Kappa Scorpii. ... SIMBAD (the Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data) is a database of astronomical information about objects within the Milky Way. ... Alpha Phoenicis (α Phe / α Phoenicis) is the brightest star in the constellation Phoenix. ... SIMBAD (the Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data) is a database of astronomical information about objects within the Milky Way. ... Gamma Ursae Majoris (γ UMa / γ Ursae Majoris) is a star in the constellation Ursa Major. ... SIMBAD (the Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data) is a database of astronomical information about objects within the Milky Way. ... Eta Ophiuchi (η Oph / η Ophiuchi) is a star in the constellation Ophiuchus. ... SIMBAD (the Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data) is a database of astronomical information about objects within the Milky Way. ... Beta Pegasi (β Peg / β Pegasi) is a star in the constellation Pegasus. ... SIMBAD (the Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data) is a database of astronomical information about objects within the Milky Way. ... Alpha Cephei (α Cep / α Cephei) is a star in the constellation of Cepheus. ... SIMBAD (the Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data) is a database of astronomical information about objects within the Milky Way. ... Aludra is a star in the constellation Canis Major (Eta Canis Majoris) approximately 3200 light years away. ... SIMBAD (the Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data) is a database of astronomical information about objects within the Milky Way. ... Kappa Velorum (κ Vel / κ Velorum) is a binary star in the constellation Vela. ... SIMBAD (the Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data) is a database of astronomical information about objects within the Milky Way. ... Epsilon Cygni (ε Cyg / ε Cygni) is a star in the constellation Cygnus. ... SIMBAD (the Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data) is a database of astronomical information about objects within the Milky Way. ... Alpha Pegasi (α Peg / α Pegasi) is the third brightest star in the constellation Pegasus (despite its alpha designation) and one of the four stars in the asterism known as the Great Square of Pegasus. ... SIMBAD (the Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data) is a database of astronomical information about objects within the Milky Way. ... Alpha Ceti (α Cet / α Ceti) is a star in the constellation of Cetus. ... SIMBAD (the Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data) is a database of astronomical information about objects within the Milky Way. ... Zeta Ophiuchi (ζ Oph / ζ Ophiuchi) is a star located in the constellation of Ophiuchus. ... SIMBAD (the Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data) is a database of astronomical information about objects within the Milky Way. ... Zeta Centauri (ζ Cen / ζ Centauri) is a star in the constellation Centaurus. ... SIMBAD (the Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data) is a database of astronomical information about objects within the Milky Way. ... Duhr (also Dhur) is the name of the star delta Leonis in the constellation lion. ... SIMBAD (the Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data) is a database of astronomical information about objects within the Milky Way. ... Beta Scorpii (β Sco / β Scorpii) is a star system in the constellation Scorpius. ... SIMBAD (the Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data) is a database of astronomical information about objects within the Milky Way. ... Alpha Leporis (α Lep / α Leporis]] is the brightest star in the constellation Lepus. ... SIMBAD (the Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data) is a database of astronomical information about objects within the Milky Way. ... Delta Centauri (δ Cen / δ Centauri) is a star in the constellation Centaurus. ... SIMBAD (the Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data) is a database of astronomical information about objects within the Milky Way. ...

By absolute magnitude

Below is a list of the most luminous stars by absolute magnitude or absolute bolometric magnitude. The absolute magnitude is a measure of the star's luminosity – the total amount of visible energy radiated by a star every second, as it would be at a standard distance of 10 parsecs away from the star itself). The Pleiades star cluster A star is a massive body of plasma in outer space that is currently producing or has produced energy through nuclear fusion. ... In astronomy, absolute magnitude is the apparent magnitude, m, an object would have if it were at a standard luminosity distance away from us. ... Luminosity has different meanings in several different fields of science. ... Solar irradiance spectrum at top of atmosphere. ... The Pleiades star cluster A star is a massive body of plasma in outer space that is currently producing or has produced energy through nuclear fusion. ... Look up second in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... The distance between two points is the length of a straight line segment between them. ... The parsec (symbol pc) is a unit of length used in astronomy. ... The Pleiades star cluster A star is a massive body of plasma in outer space that is currently producing or has produced energy through nuclear fusion. ...


Note: the exact order of this list is not yet complete, nor is it completely well defined:

  • Exact distances to stars are not always well known.
  • Double stars here are sometimes treated individually, while other lists may combine their brightness.
  • Statistical variations in measured values.
  • Some stars are actually variable stars.

Note also some other references give very different lists of the most luminous stars (different ordering or different stars altogether): Most stars are of almost constant luminosity. ...

  • http://www.rssd.esa.int/SA-general/Projects/Hipparcos/table364.html
  • http://www.starmapping.co.uk/abslist.cfm
Star name Apparent Magnitude Absolute (Bolometric) Magnitude Luminosity in Solar Units
Sun (as reference) −26.8 4.8 1
LBV 1806-20 8.6 −14.2 40,000,000
The Pistol Star   −13.2 16,000,000
Cyg OB2-12   −12.2 6,300,000
HD 93129A   −12.1  
Eta Carinae 3,9 to 10,5 −12.1 4,000,000
QPM-241   −11.9  
HDE 319718   −11.8  
Zeta Puppis 2.21 −10 750,000
Rho Cassiopeiae 4.4 −9.6 550,000
KW Sagitarii   −9.17 380,000
V354 Cephei   −9.15 370,000
Mu Cephei   −9.08 350,000
KY Cygni   −8.84 280,000
Deneb 1.25 −8.73 250,000
Rigel 0.12 −8.1 100,000
Eta Canis Majoris 2.45 −7.51 85,000
Betelgeuse 0.41 −7.2 63,000
Delta Canis Majoris 1.83 −6.87 50,000
Omicron2 Canis Majoris 3.02 −6.46  
Epsilon Orionis 1.69 −6.38 23,000
Gamma Cygni 2.23 −6.12  
Alpha Herculis 3.1 to 3.9 −5.97 20,000
Epsilon Aurigae 3.03 −5.95  
Iota1 Scorpii 2.99 −5.71  
Eta Leonis 3.48 −5.60  
Upsilon Carinae 2.92 −5.56  
Canopus −0.62 −5.53  
Beta Centauri 0.61 −5.42  
Alpha Leporis 2.58 −5.40  
Phi Velorum 3.52 −5.34  
Gamma Velorum 1.75 −5.31  
Iota Orionis 2.75 −5.30  
Antares 0.92 −5.28 10,700
Zeta Orionis 1.74 −5.26 10,500
Beta Crucis 1.25 −5.2 10,000
Lambda Scorpii 1.62 −5.05  
Delta Orionis 2.25 −4.99  
Pi Puppis 2.71 −4.92  
Epsilon Canis Majoris 1.50 −4.8  
Xi Puppis 3.34 −4.74  
Kappa Orionis 2.07 −4.65  
Alpha Crucis 0.76 −4.6 3960
Epsilon Carinae 1.86 −4.58  
Theta1 C orionis 5.13 −4.3 210,000
Spica 1.00 −3.55 2180
Achernar 0.46 −1.3 910
Gamma Crucis 1.63 −1.2  
Aldebaran 0.85 −0.63 149
Regulus 1.35 −0.52 134.2
Arcturus −0.04 −0.31 114
Capella 0.08 0.4 76
Castor 1.98 0.5 58
Vega 0.00 0.58 50.1
Pollux 1.14 0.7 30.5
Sirius −1.46 1.4 23

The Sun is the star at the center of Earths solar system. ... LBV 1806-20 is a possible binary star located 30,000–49,000 light years from our Sun, toward the center of the galaxy. ... The Pistol Star, once thought to be the brightest star in the Milky Way galaxy (exceeded only by LBV-1806), is 10 million times as bright as the Sun and about 100 times as massive. ... Hubble Space Telescope image showing Eta Carinae and the bipolar Homunculus Nebula which surrounds the star. ... Zeta Puppis (ζ Pup / ζ Puppis) is a star in the constellation of Puppis. ... Rho Cassiopeiae (also Rho Cas) is a yellow hypergiant in the Cassiopeia constellation. ... Mu Cephei (μ Cep / μ Cephei), also known as Erakis or Herschels Garnet Star is a star in the constellation Cepheus. ... KY Cygni is a red supergiant star located in the constellation Cygnus. ... Deneb (α Cyg / α Cygni / Alpha Cygni) is the brightest star in the constellation Cygnus and one of the brightest stars in the night sky, with apparent magnitude 1. ... Rigel (pronounced ) (β Orionis) is the brightest star in the constellation Orion and the seventh brightest star in the sky, with visual magnitude 0. ... Aludra is a star in the constellation Canis Major (Eta Canis Majoris) approximately 3200 light years away. ... Hubble UV picture of Betelgeuse. ... Delta Canis Majoris (δ CMa / δ Canis Majoris) is the name of a star in the constellation Canis Major. ... Omicron2 Canis Majoris (24/ο2 CMa) is a star in the constellation Canis Major. ... Epsilon Orionis (ε Ori / ε Orionis) is a large blue star in the constellation of Orion. ... Sadr (also spelled Sadir or Sador) is the star Gamma Cygni. ... Alpha Herculis (α Her / α Herculis) is a star in the constellation Hercules. ... Epsilon Aurigae (ε Aur / ε Aurigae) is a star in the constellation Auriga. ... Iota-1 Scorpii is a yellow-white F-type supergiant with an apparent magnitude of +3. ... Eta Leonis (η Leo / η Leonis) is a star in the constellation Leo (constellation). ... Upsilon Carinae (Ï… Car / Ï… Carinae) is a star in the constellation Carina. ... Canopus (α Car / α Carinae / Alpha Carinae) is the brightest star in the southern constellation of Carina, and the second brightest star in the sky, with a visual magnitude of −0. ... Beta Centauri (β Cen / β Centauri), also known as Hadar or Agena, is the second brightest star in the constellation Centaurus and the eleventh brightest star in the nighttime sky. ... Alpha Leporis (α Lep / α Leporis]] is the brightest star in the constellation Lepus. ... Phi Velorum (φ Vel / φ Velorum) is a star in the constellation Vela. ... Gamma Velorum (γ Vel / γ Velorum) is a star system in the constellation Vela. ... Hatsya or Iota Orionis is the brightest star in Orions sword. ... Antares (α Sco / α Scorpii / Alpha Scorpii) is the brightest star in the constellation Scorpius and one of the brightest stars in the nighttime sky. ... Zeta Orionis is a star in the constellation Orion. ... Becrux, also called Mimosa, is a star approximately 353 light years from Earths Solar System. ... Lambda Scorpii (λ Sco / λ Scorpii) is the second brightest star system in the constellation Scorpius, and one of the brightest stars in the nighttime sky. ... Delta Orionis (δ Ori) is one of the three stars of the belt of the constellation Orion. ... Iota Carinae (ι Car / ι Carinae) is a star in the constellation Carina. ... Epsilon Canis Majoris (ε CMa / ε Canis Majoris), is the second brightest star in the constellation Canis Major, and one of the brightest stars in the nighttime sky. ... Azmidiske (small sign) is the name of the star Xi Puppis. ... Kappa Orionis (κ Ori / κ Orionis) is the sixth-brightest star in the constellation of Orion. ... Acrux (α Crucis) is a star in the constellation Crux, the Southern Cross. ... Epsilon Carinae (ε Car / ε Carinae) is a star in the constellation Carina. ... Theta1 C Orionis is a member of the Trapezium open cluster that lies within the Orion Nebula. ... Spica (α Vir / α Virginis / Alpha Virginis) is the brightest star in the constellation Virgo, and one of the brightest stars in the nighttime sky. ... The position of Achernar Achernar (α Eri / α Eridani / Alpha Eridani) is the brightest star in the constellation Eridanus and the ninth brightest star in the nighttime sky. ... Gacrux (γ Cru / γ Crucis / Gamma Crucis) is the third brightest star in constellation Crux (the Southern Cross) and the one of the brightest stars in the nighttime sky. ... Comparison between Aldebaran and the Sun Aldebaran, (α Tau / α Tauri / Alpha Tauri), is the brightest star in the constellation Taurus and one of the brightest stars in the nighttime sky. ... Regulus (α Leo / α Leonis / Alpha Leonis) is the brightest star in the constellation Leo and one of the brightest stars in the nighttime sky. ... Arcturus (α Boo / α Boötis / Alpha Boötis) is the brightest star in the constellation Boötes, and the third brightest star in the night sky, with a visual magnitude of −0. ... Capella (α Aur / α Aurigae / Alpha Aurigae) is the brightest star in the constellation Auriga and sixth brightest star in the sky. ... Castor (α Gem / α Geminorum / Alpha Geminorum) is the second brightest star in the constellation Gemini and one of the brightest stars in the nighttime sky. ... Vega (also known as Alpha Lyrae or 3 Lyrae) is a star approximately 25. ... Pollux (β Gem / β Geminorum / Beta Geminorum) is one of the brightest star in the constellation Gemini and one of the brightest stars in the nighttime sky. ... Sirius (α CMa / α Canis Majoris / Alpha Canis Majoris) is the brightest star in the nighttime sky, with a visual apparent magnitude of −1. ...

Other objects

Note that even the brightest star, at a luminosity of 40 million suns, it is still not the brightest object in the universe. This honor belongs to the quasars, of which several hundred are currently known. The brightest quasar currently known is the ultraluminous 3C 273 in the constellation of Virgo. It has an average apparent magnitude of 12.8 (when observing with a telescope), but an absolute magnitude of -26.7. If this object were 10 parsecs away it would appear nearly as bright in the sky as our sun (apparent magnitude -26.8m). This quasar's luminosity is, therefore, about 2 trillion (1012) times that of our sun, or about 100 times that of the total light of average giant galaxies like our Milky Way. Quasars are however also found to vary in luminosity in differing time periods. The Pleiades star cluster A star is a massive body of plasma in outer space that is currently producing or has produced energy through nuclear fusion. ... Luminosity has different meanings in several different fields of science. ... One million (1000000), one thousand thousand, is the natural number following 999999 and preceding 1000001. ... The Sun is the star at the center of Earths solar system. ... The deepest visible-light image of the cosmos, the Hubble Ultra Deep Field. ... This view, taken with infrared light, is a false-color image of a quasar-starburst tandem with the most luminous starburst ever seen in such a combination. ... 3C273 is a quasar located in the constellation Virgo. ... Orion is a remarkable constellation, visible from most places on the globe at one time or another during the year. ... Virgo (Latin for virgin, symbol , Unicode ♍) is a constellation of the zodiac. ... // Headline text HEY!! HOW ARE YOU ALL?? Its nice of you to come read this page. ... 50 cm refracting telescope at Nice Observatory. ... In astronomy, absolute magnitude is the apparent magnitude, m, an object would have if it were at a standard luminosity distance away from us. ... The Sun is the star at the center of Earths solar system. ... Luminosity has different meanings in several different fields of science. ... The numeral trillion refers to one of two number values, depending on the context of where and how it is being used. ... Prism splitting light Light is electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength that is visible to the eye (visible light) or, in a technical or scientific context, electromagnetic radiation of any wavelength. ... NGC 4414, a typical spiral galaxy in the constellation Coma Berenices, is about 56,000 light years in diameter and approximately 60 million light years distant. ... Note: This article contains special characters. ... Luminosity has different meanings in several different fields of science. ... A pocket watch. ...


In terms of gamma rays, a Magnetar (a type of neutron star) called SGR 1806-20, had an extreme burst on 27 December 2004. It was the brightest event known to have impacted this planet from an origin outside our solar system; if these gamma rays were visible, with an absolute magnitude of approx. −29, it would be brighter than our sun (as measured by the Swift spacecraft). This article is about electromagnetic radiation. ... Artists conception of a magnetar, with magnetic field lines A magnetar is a neutron star with an extremely strong magnetic field, the decay of which powers the emission of copious amounts of high-energy electromagnetic radiation, particularly X-rays and gamma-rays. ... Neutron stars are one of the few possible endpoints of stellar evolution. ... In astronomy, SGR 1806-20 is a magnetar, a particular type of neutron star. ... December 27 is the 361st day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (362nd in leap years). ... 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... A planet is generally considered to be a relatively large mass of accreted matter in orbit around a star that is not a star itself. ... Presentation of the solar system (not to scale) The solar system comprises the Earths Sun and the retinue of celestial objects gravitationally bound to it. ... This article is about electromagnetic radiation. ... In astronomy, absolute magnitude is the apparent magnitude, m, an object would have if it were at a standard luminosity distance away from us. ... The Sun is the star at the center of Earths solar system. ... The Swift Gamma-Ray Burst Mission consists of an unmanned spacecraft called Swift, which was launched into orbit on November 20, 2004, at 17:16:00 UTC (12:16 PM, EST) on top of a Delta 2 rocket. ...


The Gamma-ray burst GRB_971214 in 1998 was at the time thought to be the most energetic event in the universe, with the equivalent energy of several hundred supernovae. Later studies pointed out that the energy was probably the energy of one supernova which had been "beamed" towards Earth by the geometry of the surrounding gas. In astronomy, gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) are flashes of gamma rays that last from seconds to hours, the longer ones being followed by several days of X-ray afterglow. ... GRB 971214 is a gamma ray burst observed in 1997. ... 1998 (MCMXCVIII) was a common year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar, and was designated the International Year of the Ocean. ... The deepest visible-light image of the cosmos, the Hubble Ultra Deep Field. ... Multiwavelength X-ray image of the remnant of Keplers Supernova, SN 1604. ...


See also

The following is a partial list of stars which have their own articles in Wikipedia. ... This list of the nearest stars to Earth is ordered by increasing distance out to a maximum of 5 parsecs (16. ... Optical afterglow of gamma ray burst GRB-990123 (the bright dot within the white square and in the enlarged cutout) on 23 January 1999. ... This view, taken with infrared light, is a false-color image of a quasar-starburst tandem with the most luminous starburst ever seen in such a combination. ...

References

  • Observer's Handbook, 1991, The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, From "The Brightest Stars" list

External links

  • 26 Brightest Stars, as Seen from the Earth
  • Bright Stars Worth Knowing
  • About LBV 1806-20
  • The Brightest Stars at An Atlas of the Universe
  • Royal Astronomical Society of New Zealand Brighest List
  • The Magnitude system
  • About stellar magnitudes

  Results from FactBites:
 
List of brightest stars - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (546 words)
Below are the 100 brightest stars as seen from Earth (by apparent magnitude at visible wavelengths) according to the Hipparcos sky survey.
Note that even the brightest star, at a luminosity of 40 million suns, it is still not the brightest object in the universe.
The brightest quasar currently known is the ultraluminous 3C 273 in the constellation of Virgo.
  More results at FactBites »


 

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