List of nearest supergiants explained

This is a list of the nearest supergiant stars to Earth, located at a distance of up to 1100ly from Earth. Some of the brightest stars in the night sky, such as Rigel and Antares, are in the list.

While supergiants are typically defined as stars with luminosity classes, or, other definitions exist, such as those based on stellar evolution. Therefore, stars with other luminosity classes can sometimes be considered supergiants.

List

Name Apparent magnitude (V)class=unsortableNotes
Canopus30973.3 ± 5.29.81 ± 1.83While it is frequently described as a yellow supergiant, especially in evolutionary terms, it is classified as a bright giant based on spectrum.
Polaris323 – 43337.55.41.98 The nearest non-disputed (uncontroversial) supergiant, assuming the distance of 323 ly. It is a yellow supergiant.
Sargas
(θ Scorpii A)
or 35.5 × 26.3Either a lower luminosity supergiant or a (bright) giant, formed after stellar merger of two smaller stars
Rasalgethi
(α Herculis Aa)
284 ± 602.53.35Possibly a bright giant
Rastaban
(β Draconis)
40
ζ Capricorni29
Betelgeuse64016.5 – 190.5 The nearest non-disputed (uncontroversial) red supergiant, and the 10th brightest star in the night sky.
α Trianguli AustralisEither a supergiant or bright giant
Mirfak (α Persei)8.5 ± 0.31.806
Sadalmelik
(α Aquarii)
5.13 ± 0.06
Sadalsuud
(β Aquarii)
184.58
Antares68011160.61.615th brightest star in the night sky.
κ Pavonis1925 (3.91 - 4.78)
Saiph22.2The closest blue supergiant.
Enif
(ε Pegasi)
210.4210.77.07– 12
Aspidiske
(ι Carinae)
437.4
β Arae8.21
ζ Persei2627
ζ Aurigae ASometimes considered a red supergiant; possible bright giant
Ahadi
(π Puppis)
23511.7
Rigel7th brightest star in the night sky, and the brightest supergiant.
η Aquilae A, 5.73.484.33
δ Cephei A3.48 – 4.37Protoype of the Classical Cepheid variable stars.
χ Aquilae22.2
ζ Cephei
Miram
(η Persei)
β Doradus3.46 – 4.08
Naos
(ζ Puppis)
1456.1 – 2.26One of the most massive stars visible to the naked eye.

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