The other was in 1918 and is known as ( Nova Aquilae 1918 ) . It briefly shone brighter than Altair , the brightest star in Aquila . Two major novae have been observed in Aquila : the first one was in 389 BC and was recorded as being as bright as Venus ; the other ( Nova Aquilae 1918 ) briefly shone brighter than Altair , the brightest star in Aquila .