Altair - Brightest Star in Aquila
Aug 18, 2020![](https://kajabi-storefronts-production.kajabi-cdn.com/kajabi-storefronts-production/blogs/1289/images/EdjRJab2R9mLsHAhNtNz_Cover_Pages_1280x720_8.jpg)
Altair - Brightest Star in Aquila
Altair is the brightest star of the constellation Aquila, which gives it the alpha designation. Altair is unique in the sense that it rotates quickly -- every 9 hours -- which gives the star an oblate spherical shape. It is fairly close to our own solar system at 16.7 light-years away, which is why it is bright in our sky. Learn more about the spectral class and shape of this beautiful star.