This list includes 5 Stars with proper names that start with K that start with K, from “Kapteyn’s Star” to “Kornephoros”. These entries cover IAU-approved names and well-established traditional names, and they help with star identification for observing, teaching, and casual reading.
Stars with proper names that start with K are stars known by traditional or IAU-approved names beginning with the letter K. For example, Kapteyn’s Star is a nearby, high-proper-motion object named for astronomer Jacob Kapteyn.
Below you’ll find the table with Proper name, Other designation, Constellation (IAU abbr.), Distance (ly), Apparent V magnitude, and Notes / Source.
Proper name: The commonly used traditional or IAU-approved name you can use when searching star charts or writing about the star.
Other designation: Alternate catalogue names help you cross-reference the star in databases and observing lists you consult.
Constellation (IAU abbr.): The constellation name and its IAU abbreviation show the star’s location on the sky and aid in charting.
Distance (ly): Distance in light years (one decimal) gives you a quick sense of how near or far the star is from Earth.
Apparent V magnitude: The star’s visual brightness to two decimals helps you decide if you can see it with the naked eye or a small telescope.
Notes / Source: Brief historical, naming, or observational notes plus the source and date help you assess reliability and context.
Stars with proper names that start with K
| Proper name | Other names | Constellation | Distance (ly) & V (apparent) | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kapteyn’s Star | GJ 191; HD 33793; HIP 24186 | Pictor (Pic) | 12.8 ly; 8.85 V | Traditional name after astronomer Jacobus Kapteyn; one of the Sun’s nearest halo stars and very high proper motion. (SIMBAD 2024; Gaia EDR3 2022) |
| Kochab | Beta Ursae Minoris; HR 424; HD 94481 | Ursa Minor (UMi) | 130.3 ly; 2.08 V | Traditional/IAU-listed name; bright orange giant once used as a pole-star reference and important for navigation. (IAU 2016; SIMBAD 2024) |
| Kornephoros | Beta Herculis; HR 5953; HD 148856 | Hercules (Her) | 148.0 ly; 2.78 V | Traditional name meaning “club-bearer”; one of Hercules’ brightest stars, easy to spot in summer skies. (Traditional; SIMBAD 2024) |
| Kaus Australis | Epsilon Sagittarii; HR 6873; HD 164741 | Sagittarius (Sgr) | 143.0 ly; 1.79 V | IAU-approved name for the brightest star of Sagittarius; marks the “southern part” of the archer’s bow. (IAU 2016; SIMBAD 2024) |
| Kaus Borealis | Lambda Sagittarii; HR 6879; HD 165135 | Sagittarius (Sgr) | 77.5 ly; 2.82 V | IAU-approved name meaning “northern part of the bow”; an easy-to-find star within the Sagittarius asterism. (IAU 2016; SIMBAD 2024) |