What is the approximate distance of Procyon from Earth?

Procyon is one of the bright stars in the night sky and is part of the constellation Canis Minor. It is well-known not only for its brightness but also for its relatively close distance to Earth. The actual distance of Procyon from Earth is approximately 11.4 light-years. This value comes from precise measurements parallax methods that astronomers use to determine the positions and distances of stars.

Understanding the distances to stars like Procyon is essential in the study of stellar properties and navigation in astronomy. Knowing Procyon's distance helps astronomers place it accurately in the context of our galaxy and in relation to other nearby stars.

The other options represent distances that do not match the established measurements for Procyon. Distances such as 4.2 light-years and 8.1 light-years are closer to the distances of other well-known stars like Alpha Centauri, while 15.3 light-years puts Procyon further than its actual measured distance. This reinforces the importance of distinguishing between specific star distances based on reliable observational data.