The present Brazilian flag, adopted on November 19, 1889, after the Proclamation of the Republic, features rich symbolism reflecting both astronomical and territorial aspects of the country.       Some elements from the Brazilian monarchy are preserved, while others are added: the green background and yellow diamond were retained from the Brazilian monarchy's flag, representing the House of Braganza (green) and the House of Habsburg (yellow), in reference to the royal families of Dom Pedro I and Empress Leopoldina, respectively.       The central blue circle represents the Celestial Sphere viewed from the outside, depicting the sky over Rio de Janeiro on November 15, 1889, at 8:30 a.m. The 27 stars represent each of the Brazilian federal states and the Federal District.       The white band symbolizes the Ecliptic, and it carries the national motto "Ordem e Progresso" ("Order and Progress"), inspired by Positivism, a philosophical movement popular among intellectuals and military of the time.

Let's take a closer look at the stars depicted on the Brazilian flag:

1. Procyon (Alpha Canis Minoris): This star is part of the constellation Canis Minor.


2. Sirius: Represented by the larger star in Canis Major, Sirius is one of the brightest stars in the night sky.


3. Canopus (Alpha Carinae): This star is one of the brightest stars in the constellation Carina.


4. Spica (Alpha Virginis): This star is the only one above the ecliptic and one of the two northern stars. Together with Procyon, it represents the two major states in the North Region: Amazonas and Pará.


5. Hydra: The stars represented are Alphard and Gamma Hydrae, which are part of the constellation Hydra.


6. Crux (the Southern Cross): This prominent constellation is featured in the center of the blue circle, passing through the meridian. It points towards Sigma Octantis.


7. Sigma Octantis: Known as the southern pole star (and the faintest of the pole stars), it represents Brasília, the Federal Capital, due to its central and stable position.


8. Triangulum Australe: This constellation, with its three stars, also symbolizes the three states in the South Region.


9. Scorpius: This constellation, with its eight stars, represents the states of the Northeast Region.

The following table list each of the stars, as well as the represented by it: