Do you know the brightest stars above you? Chances are, you recognize more of them than you realize. For thousands of years, these cosmic beacons have inspired awe, shaped mythologies, and guided travelers across continents and oceans. Their names echo from ancient Sumer and Egypt to modern astronomy, each star carrying a legacy written in human wonder and curiosity.

Every star in this luminous roll call is more than a point of light— they are living stories, burning bright from distant corners of our galaxy. Even Polaris, the North Star, while not among the 25 brightest, holds an unmatched place in our collective imagination, steadfastly guiding explorers and dreamers home.l Union (IAU) works to preserve these ancient names while providing a unified global naming system, ensuring each of the top 25 brightest stars stands as both a scientific reference and a cultural treasure.

Every star in this luminous roll call is more than a point of light hey are living stories, burning bright from distant corners of our galaxy. Even Polaris, the North Star, while not among the 25 brightest, holds an unmatched place in our collective imagination, steadfastly guiding explorers and dreamers home.

So the next time you look up, remember: the night sky is more than a sea of glitter. It’s an ancient tapestry, each star a chapter in the ongoing story of humanity and the cosmos full of meaning, history, and wonder.