Sirius: The Sky's Brightest Star, a Symbol in Science and Culture

The night sky is filled with stars, but Sirius stands out as the brightest after the sun.

 Berjis Al-Fulaih, a member of the Afaq Society for Astronomy, told a Saudi Press Agency reporter that Sirius is a binary star system located 8.6 light-years from Earth, making it one of our closest neighbors.

 Known by over 50 names throughout history, its most famous names are "Sirius" (from the Greek for "glowing") and the Arabic "Al-Shi'ra," which is mentioned in the Holy Quran. Sirius is the main star in the Canis Major constellation, earning it the nickname the "Dog Star." Due to its passage through the atmosphere, it sometimes appears to flash with multiple colors, leading to its other nickname, the "Rainbow Star."

 Sirius is most visible in the winter, rising in December and setting in mid-April. It can be easily located by following a straight line from the Orion constellation.

 Al-Fulaih noted that Sirius has held a special place in Arabic literature, with poets likening its light to the sparkle of swords and eyes. The star continues to be a symbol of beauty and light, blending science, myth, and creativity.