By Alexander Merz · Updated on · Details checked on 14 September 2026
Deneb is the brightest star in the constellation Cygnus and the third corner of the Summer Triangle: a supergiant with roughly 200,000 times the Sun’s luminosity, about 2,600 light-years away.
At a glance: Brightness 1.25 mag · Distance approx. 2,600 light-years (uncertain) · Constellation Cygnus (the Swan) · Part of the Summer Triangle · approx. 200,000 times the Sun’s luminosity
The Giant in Cygnus
Deneb marks the tail of the Swan – and is by far the most distant first-magnitude star in our sky. While Vega lies 25 light-years away, Deneb is roughly 2,600 light-years distant (a value that is hard to measure because of the sheer distance). The fact that it still appears so bright makes it one of the most luminous stars in the entire Milky Way: around 200,000 solar luminosities.
In the Summer Triangle
Together with Vega and Altair, Deneb forms the Summer Triangle. It is its faintest corner – solely because of its distance. The band of the Milky Way also runs through Cygnus: under a dark sky, the region around Deneb is among the richest in stars anywhere.
Observing Tips
Right next to Deneb lies the North America Nebula (NGC 7000) – under a dark sky it can already be glimpsed through binoculars as a bright Milky Way patch, and photographically it is a dream target for deep-sky imaging. From Germany, Deneb is circumpolar: it never sets completely, but stands highest in summer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far away is Deneb?
About 2,600 light-years – that is the distance of the stellar group Cygnus OB7, to which Deneb belongs. The direct parallax measurement by the Hipparcos satellite (2007 re-analysis) gives only about 1,400 light-years, and Deneb is too bright for Gaia, so the exact distance is still open. This makes it the most distant first-magnitude star in our sky.
Why is Deneb so bright despite the distance?
It is an extremely luminous white supergiant with around 200,000 times the Sun’s luminosity – one of the most powerful stars in the Galaxy.
What does the name Deneb mean?
Arabic for “tail” – it marks the tail of the constellation Cygnus, the Swan.
When can you see Deneb?
All year round (circumpolar), at its finest on summer and autumn evenings, high in the sky within the Summer Triangle.
⭐ What the sky is showing right now: The Night Sky in August 2026 · All Constellations at a Glance
⭐ Also interesting: The Summer Triangle – a portrait of Vega, Deneb & Altair