This list includes 15 Stars with proper names that start with M, from “Maia” to “Muphrid”. These Stars with proper names that start with M are often bright, historically named objects used for navigation, teaching, and amateur observing.
Stars with proper names that start with M are traditionally or officially named stars whose common names begin with the letter M. Maia, a member of the Pleiades, is a notable example linking astronomy and mythology.
Below you’ll find the table with Proper name, IAU status, Designation, Constellation (full name + abbreviation), V magnitude, and Distance (ly).
Proper name: The common or traditional name of the star, which you use to quickly recognize and discuss the object.
IAU status: Indicates whether the name is IAU-approved or traditional, so you can judge modern standardization at a glance.
Designation: The Bayer, Flamsteed, or catalog identifier that helps you cross-reference the star in catalogs and sky charts.
Constellation (full name + abbreviation): The constellation’s full name and IAU abbreviation let you place the star on an official map.
V magnitude: The apparent V magnitude to two decimals shows how bright the star appears from Earth for observing and comparison.
Distance (ly): Distance in light years, shown to one decimal, helps you compare how far each star lies from our solar system.
Stars with proper names that start with M
Name
Constellation
Distance (ly)
V mag
Mira
Cetus (Cet)
300.0
2.00
Mintaka
Orion (Ori)
915.0
2.25
Mirfak
Perseus (Per)
590.0
1.79
Mirach
Andromeda (And)
197.0
2.06
Markab
Pegasus (Peg)
133.3
2.49
Menkar
Cetus (Cet)
220.0
2.54
Menkalinan
Auriga (Aur)
81.1
1.90
Menkent
Centaurus (Cen)
59.0
2.06
Maia
Taurus (Tau)
444.0
3.87
Merope
Taurus (Tau)
444.0
4.14
Megrez
Ursa Major (UMa)
80.5
3.32
Merak
Ursa Major (UMa)
79.7
2.37
Mizar
Ursa Major (UMa)
78.1
2.23
Muphrid
Boötes (Boo)
37.9
2.68
Mebsuta
Gemini (Gem)
840.0
3.06
Descriptions
Mira
IAU-approved. Famous pulsating red‑giant variable (Omicron Ceti); brightness varies ~2–10 mag. Mira is a prototype long‑period variable (M-type). IAU Name List; SIMBAD 2024.
Mintaka
IAU-approved. Delta Orionis, an O/B multiple system forming Orion’s Belt; bright hot star in Orion OB1. IAU Name List; SIMBAD 2024.
Mirfak
IAU-approved. Alpha Persei, F‑type supergiant and brightest in Perseus; anchors the Alpha Per cluster. IAU Name List; SIMBAD 2024.
Mirach
IAU-approved. Beta Andromedae, an orange/red giant (M0) used to star‑hop to the Andromeda Galaxy. Traditional name; IAU Name List; SIMBAD 2024.
Markab
IAU-approved. Alpha Pegasi, B‑type subgiant marking a corner of the Great Square of Pegasus. Traditional name; IAU Name List; SIMBAD 2024.
Menkar
IAU-approved. Alpha Ceti, a cool red giant (M‑type) prominent in Cetus; name means “nostril.” Traditional name; IAU Name List; SIMBAD 2024.
Menkalinan
IAU-approved. Beta Aurigae, an eclipsing binary (A‑type) and close spectroscopic pair; historically Menkalinān. IAU Name List; SIMBAD 2024.
Menkent
IAU-approved. Theta Centauri, a bright K‑type giant in Centaurus; notable southern sky star. Traditional name; IAU Name List; SIMBAD 2024.
Maia
IAU-approved. B‑type member of the Pleiades (20 Tau); classical mythological name. IAU Name List; SIMBAD 2024.
Merope
IAU-approved. Pleiades star (B‑type) embedded in reflection nebulosity; traditional Pleiad name. IAU Name List; SIMBAD 2024.
Megrez
IAU-approved. Delta Ursae Majoris, A‑type star at the Big Dipper’s bend; member of Ursa Major moving group. Traditional name; IAU Name List; SIMBAD 2024.
Merak
IAU-approved. Beta Ursae Majoris, A‑type star forming the Big Dipper’s bowl; used as a pointer to Polaris. Traditional name; IAU Name List; SIMBAD 2024.
Mizar
IAU-approved. Zeta Ursae Majoris, famous multiple system (visual pair with Alcor; spectroscopic binaries). Traditional name; IAU Name List; SIMBAD 2024.
Muphrid
IAU-approved. Eta Boötis, a nearby G‑type subgiant known as Muphrid; useful reference star. IAU Name List; SIMBAD 2024.
Mebsuta
IAU-approved. Epsilon Geminorum, G‑type supergiant; traditional name meaning “outstretched paw.” IAU Name List; SIMBAD 2024
If you think there is a missing term, let us know using the contact form.
