This list includes 8 Stars with proper names that start with P, from “Peacock” to “Procyon”. These entries include well-known bright stars and several with historical or cultural significance, useful for observing, teaching, and quick reference.
Stars with proper names that start with P are stars known by traditional or IAU-approved names beginning with the letter P. For example, Procyon is a bright, widely visible star that forms part of the Winter Triangle.
Below you’ll find the table with these columns.
Name: The star’s common proper name, which you use to recognize and search for the star in guides and sky maps.
Catalog ID: A standard scientific identifier (Bayer, Flamsteed, HD, etc.) that lets you locate the star in catalogs and databases.
Constellation: The constellation name with its IAU abbreviation, so you can quickly see the star’s sky region and orientation.
Distance (ly): Distance from Earth in light years, rounded to one decimal, helping you compare relative star distances.
V magnitude: Apparent visual magnitude given to two decimals, so you can judge how bright the star appears from Earth.
IAU status: Indicates whether the proper name is IAU-approved or traditional, letting you see official recognition at a glance.
Notes: Short remarks on alternate names, historical context, or observing tips that add useful background for study or observation.
Stars with proper names that start with P
| Name | Constellation | Distance (ly) | Apparent V (mag) | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Polaris | Ursa Minor (UMi) | 433.8 | 1.98 | IAU-approved; the North Star, a Cepheid-like supergiant in a multiple system, famous for navigation and calibrating distances (Gaia/SIMBAD). |
| Pollux | Gemini (Gem) | 33.7 | 1.14 | IAU-approved traditional name; orange giant, one of Gemini’s brightest stars and hosts a known exoplanet (radial-velocity detection). |
| Procyon | Canis Minor (CMi) | 11.5 | 0.34 | IAU-approved; bright nearby binary (F-type primary + white dwarf companion), part of the Winter Triangle asterism. |
| Porrima | Virgo (Vir) | 38.6 | 2.74 | Traditional name (IAU-approved); close binary of nearly equal stars, notable for rapid orbital motion and visibility to the unaided eye. |
| Pleione | Taurus (Tau) | 444.2 | 5.08 | IAU-approved traditional name; a Be-type star in the Pleiades with variable brightness and a circumstellar disk, culturally linked to many myths. |
| Peacock | Pavo (Pav) | 63.0 | 1.94 | IAU-approved; Alpha Pavonis, a bright southern star formerly used in navigation, visually striking in southern skies. |
| Phecda | Ursa Major (UMa) | 83.2 | 2.41 | IAU-approved (traditional); part of the Big Dipper’s bowl, a white giant and an easy naked-eye member of Ursa Major. |
| Pherkad | Ursa Minor (UMi) | 487.0 | 3.05 | Traditional name (IAU-approved); forms the “guardians” pair with Kochab near Polaris, a visible star with historical navigational importance. |