<P> Sirius appears bright because of its intrinsic luminosity and its proximity to Earth . At a distance of 2.6 parsecs ( 8.6 ly ) , as determined by the Hipparcos astrometry satellite , the Sirius system is one of Earth 's near neighbours . Sirius is gradually moving closer to the Solar System , so it will slightly increase in brightness over the next 60,000 years . After that time its distance will begin to increase and it will become fainter , but it will continue to be the brightest star in the Earth 's night sky for the next 210,000 years . </P>
<P> Sirius appears bright because of its intrinsic luminosity and its proximity to Earth . At a distance of 2.6 parsecs ( 8.6 ly ) , as determined by the Hipparcos astrometry satellite , the Sirius system is one of Earth 's near neighbours . Sirius is gradually moving closer to the Solar System , so it will slightly increase in brightness over the next 60,000 years . After that time its distance will begin to increase and it will become fainter , but it will continue to be the brightest star in the Earth 's night sky for the next 210,000 years . </P>
how far is the star sirius from earth
how far is the star sirius from earth
2.6 parsecs 8.6 ly
2.6 parsecs 8.6 ly