In general, the alpha star in a constellation is the brightest star in the constellation.
Geography · High School · Tue Nov 03 2020
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In general, the alpha star in a constellation is the brightest star in that constellation. The designation of the brightest star with the term "alpha" follows a system called the Bayer designation. Johann Bayer, a German astronomer, introduced this system in his star atlas in 1603. The alpha star is typically followed by the second brightest star, designated as "beta," the third brightest as "gamma," and so forth, often using the Greek alphabet to assign the order of brightness within a constellation. The color or the position in terms of direction (easternmost or westernmost) or distance from Earth (closest or farthest) is not generally a factor in the designation of alpha status.