description Barnard's Star Overview
Barnard's Star is a red dwarf star situated approximately 6 light-years away in the constellation Ophiuchus. It holds the record for the highest proper motion of any known star relative to the Sun, moving across the sky at a noticeable rate. Because of its proximity and frequent observation by astronomers, it is a primary target in the search for exoplanets and the study of stellar activity.
insights Ranking position
Barnard's Star ranks #29 of 212 in the Star ranking, behind Regulus, ahead of Fomalhaut.
help Barnard's Star FAQ
Can Barnard's Star be seen without a telescope?
No. Although Barnard's Star is only about 5.96 light-years away, the red dwarf is far too faint for unaided viewing and lies in Ophiuchus.
Why does Barnard's Star move so quickly across the sky?
Barnard's Star has the highest known proper motion of any star relative to the Sun, shifting by about 10 arcseconds per year. The apparent motion is especially conspicuous because the star is both nearby and moving rapidly through space.
Does Barnard's Star have confirmed planets?
Astronomers have reported evidence for low-mass planets around Barnard's Star, while an earlier proposed super-Earth called Barnard's Star b became disputed. The system illustrates why repeated radial-velocity observations are needed to separate planetary signals from stellar activity.
Is Barnard's Star the closest star after Alpha Centauri?
Barnard's Star is the closest individual star to the Sun after the three-star Alpha Centauri system. At roughly 5.96 light-years away, it is closer than Wolf 359 and Sirius.
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