Key Information
Procyon
| Type | Star (binary) |
| Star Types | F5 IV–V (A), DQZ (B) |
| Diameter | 1,770,651 miles (A), 10,668 miles (B) |
| Temperature | 11,294 °F (A), 13,472 °F (B) |
| Mass | 1.499 M☉ |
| Distance | 11.46 light years |
| Orbit Time | 40.84 years |
| Date of Discovery | Unknown |
| Other Names | Elgomaisa, α Canis Minoris, 10 Canis Minoris, HD 61421, HIP 37279, HR 2943 |
Learning Point
- Procyon is the eighth brightest of the stars in the night sky, with it being close to Sirius and Betelgeuse, creating a triangle that is easily found. Like Sirius, the star is a binary, with the smaller star being a white dwarf.
Project
- Draw the two stars of the Procyon star system.
- Overview
- Orbit
Location
| Located in | Canis Minor constellation, within our Milky Way |
Fun Facts
- The name Procyon means “before the dog“, because it rises before Sirius in the night sky, the dog star.
- Though suggested in 1844, it wasn’t until 1896 that the smaller star of the system was found.
- Procyon B, the white dwarf, is not as heavy, but is physically bigger than Sirius B.
- The main star is about to start expanding in size, as it is just reaching the subgiant stage because it now has a helium core.
Past Lessons
| 169 | March 19, 2024 | (North America) |