The Fixed Stars

Mirzam

Beta Canis Majoris, Murzim, Al Murzim

The announcer, the herald that goes before. It stands at about 7° Cancer (tropical).

The herald at the Dog's forefoot, who rises just ahead of Sirius.

Mirzam marks one of the Great Dog's forepaws and takes its Arabic name, Al Murzim, the announcer, from its habit of rising a little before Sirius, as though barking to say the brighter star is coming. It is a hot blue-white giant whose light varies faintly. Little formal planetary lore attaches to it beyond this office of the forerunner.

Its interest is chiefly its name and its place as the star that heralds Sirius.