What Is the Closest Star to Earth?
The nearest star to Earth is the Sun, about 149.6 million km away (light takes 8 min 20 s). The next nearest is Proxima Centauri, a red dwarf 4.24 light-years (≈40 trillion km) away in the Alpha Centauri system, invisible to the naked eye.
| Star | Distance | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sun | 8.3 light-minutes | Yellow dwarf |
| Proxima Centauri | 4.24 ly | Red dwarf; planet Proxima b (2016) |
| Alpha Centauri A & B | 4.37 ly | Sun-like binary |
| Barnard’s Star | 5.96 ly | Red dwarf |
| Wolf 359 | 7.86 ly | Red dwarf |
| Sirius | 8.6 ly | Brightest star in the night sky |
Frequently asked questions
What is the closest star to Earth?
The Sun; after it, Proxima Centauri at 4.24 light-years.
Can you see Proxima Centauri with the naked eye?
No, it is a faint red dwarf visible only with a telescope.
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