Alpha Canis Majoris, commonly known as Sirius, is the brightest star in the night sky. Located in the constellation Canis Major, it is about 8.6 light-years away from Earth. Sirius is actually a binary star system, consisting of two stars: Sirius A, a main-sequence star, and Sirius B, a white dwarf. Sirius has been significant in various cultures throughout history. The ancient Egyptians associated it with the flooding of the Nile River, marking the start of their new year. Its brightness and prominence have made it a key reference point for navigation and timekeeping across different civilizations.