Its system is the(*) fifth closest to our own, and along with Procyon and Betelgeuse, this star forms the Winter Triangle.
This star's white dwarf companion was postulated by Fredrich Bessel and discovered by Alvan Clark. This star was called Sopdet in ancient Egypt and, along with Venus, rises before the sun several months of the year. Its system is the(*) fifth closest to our own, and along with Procyon and Betelgeuse, this star forms the Winter Triangle. It is almost twice as bright as Canopus, and Orion's belt points toward this principal star of Canis Major. For 10 points, name this brightest star in the sky, also known as the Dog Star.
This star's white dwarf companion was postulated by Fredrich Bessel and discovered by Alvan Clark.
{Sirius} A [or {alpha Canis Majoris}; prompt on “{Dog} Star” until mentioned; do not accept or prompt on “Sirius B”]