This list includes 7 Stars with proper names that start with C, from “Canopus” to “Cursa”. Many of these are bright, historically named stars commonly used for navigation, observation, and teaching the night sky.
Stars with proper names that start with C are stars whose traditional or IAU-approved names begin with the letter C. Many come from Arabic, Latin, or modern IAU naming and include famous examples like “Canopus”.
Below you’ll find the table with Proper name, Other designation, Constellation (full name + IAU abbr.), Apparent V, Distance (ly).
Proper name: Shows the star’s traditional or IAU-approved name so you can recognize and look it up quickly.
Other designation: Lists common catalogue IDs (Bayer, Flamsteed, HR) to help you cross-reference different star lists.
Constellation (full name + IAU abbr.): Gives the constellation name and its IAU abbreviation so you can place the star on a sky chart.
Apparent V: Shows the star’s visible brightness to two decimals so you can compare how it appears from Earth.
Distance (ly): Provides distance in light‑years to one decimal, helping you understand how far the star lies from our solar system.
Stars with proper names that start with C
| Name | IAU status | Constellation | Distance (ly) / V (mag) | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canopus | IAU-approved | Carina (Car) | 310.0 ly / V=-0.72 | Second-brightest star in the night sky, a luminous supergiant used for navigation; name from ancient Greek lore associated with a mythic navigator. |
| Capella | IAU-approved | Auriga (Aur) | 42.9 ly / V=0.08 | Bright, yellowish quadruple system appearing as a single star; name means “little goat” in Latin and is one of the northern hemisphere’s brightest. |
| Castor | IAU-approved | Gemini (Gem) | 51.1 ly / V=1.58 | Famous multiple-star system (six stars) forming one of Gemini’s twins; traditional name from Roman mythological twin Castor. |
| Caph | IAU-approved | Cassiopeia (Cas) | 54.9 ly / V=2.28 | Bright, slightly variable star marking Cassiopeia’s “wand”; name derived from Arabic “kaf” (palm of the hand). |
| Cor Caroli | IAU-approved | Canes Venatici (CVn) | 110.0 ly / V=2.90 | “Heart of Charles,” a double-star visible to the eye; named in honor of King Charles II in the 17th century. |
| Cursa | IAU-approved | Eridanus (Eri) | 86.6 ly / V=2.79 | Bright star at the northern end of Eridanus; name likely from Arabic for “the footstool” or “kursiyy” (chair). |
| Chara | IAU-approved | Canes Venatici (CVn) | 29.0 ly / V=3.54 | One of the brighter stars in Canes Venatici; name means “joy” in Greek and historically paired with Cor Caroli in the hunting dogs. |