The "Dog Star," also known as Sirius, is the brightest star in the night sky. It is part of the constellation Canis Major, which means "Greater Dog" in Latin. Sirius is approximately 8.6 light-years away from Earth and is a binary star system, consisting of two stars: Sirius A and Sirius B. Sirius has been significant in various cultures throughout history. In ancient Egypt, it was associated with the flooding of the Nile River and marked the start of the new year. Its brightness and prominence have made it a key reference point for navigation and astronomy.