Preview — this is a sample dedication, shown so you can see what a dedicated star page looks like.
A dedicated star
Aludra
blue · Canis Major · η CMa
Dedicated to
Maya
by Her sister, June · August 12, 2026
“You were born on the brightest night of my life. Whenever you feel small, remember: there is a star that has carried your name since before you could read it — and it is still up there, still burning, still yours.”
This dedication
- Dedicated to
- Maya
- Dedicated by
- Her sister, June
- Recorded
- August 12, 2026
- Held until
- August 12, 2027
When this dedication ends, Aludra becomes available again. Want it? Put the date in your calendar.
Aludra at a glance
- Constellation
- Canis Major
- Other name
- η CMa
- Catalogue number
- HIP 35904
- Distance
- ≈ 2,000 light-years
- Brightness
- Magnitude 2.45 naked-eye
- Star type
- B5 Ia
- Colour
- blue
- Best seen from
- The Southern Hemisphere and lower northern latitudes
- Right ascension
- 07h 24m 06s
- Declination
- −29° 18′ 11″
Coordinates are J2000 epoch, checkable against any astronomical source or planetarium app.
Where can you see Aludra?
It is easy to see from much of the Southern Hemisphere. It can also appear from lower northern latitudes, but it never rises for observers north of about latitude 61°N.
Aludra belongs to Canis Major.
Frequently asked questions about Aludra
- Is Aludra the brightest star?
- Aludra shines at magnitude 2.45 — visible to the naked eye on a clear night, one of the few thousand stars with an officially recognised name.
- How far away is Aludra?
- Aludra is approximately 2,000 light-years from Earth. The light reaching us tonight began its journey around 2,000 years ago.
- Which constellation contains Aludra?
- Aludra is part of Canis Major.
- Can everyone see Aludra?
- It is easy to see from much of the Southern Hemisphere. It can also appear from lower northern latitudes, but it never rises for observers north of about latitude 61°N.
- Is dedicating Aludra an official astronomical renaming?
- No. Aludra keeps its internationally recognised astronomical name. An AsterNym dedication records your personal name and message in the AsterNym registry without changing the star's scientific identity.