Q 01/05

In which constellation is Sirius the brightest star?

A) Canis Major

B) Ursa Major

C) Orion the Hunter

D) Canis Minor

Answer · why

A) Canis Major

Its formal designation is Alpha Canis Majoris.

Q 02/05

What is Sirius's popular nickname?

A) The Pole Star

B) The Dog Star

C) The Wolf Star

D) The Morning Star

Answer · why

B) The Dog Star

Canis Major and Canis Minor are pictured following Orion the hunter across the sky.

Q 03/05

What does the Greek word behind the name Sirius mean?

A) Bright eye

B) Faithful hound

C) Glowing or scorching

D) Winter guardian

Answer · why

C) Glowing or scorching

Its earliest recorded use is in Hesiod's Works and Days in the 7th century BC.

Q 04/05

Which star is the second-brightest in the night sky, roughly half as bright as Sirius?

A) Arcturus

B) Rigel

C) Vega

D) Canopus

Answer · why

D) Canopus

Canopus is a distant supergiant, whereas Sirius owes its brilliance mostly to being close.

Q 05/05

Roughly how far from Earth is the Sirius system?

A) About 8.6 light-years

B) About 25 light-years

C) About 640 light-years

D) About 4.2 light-years

Answer · why

A) About 8.6 light-years

It contains two of the eight nearest stars to the Sun.