Aquila constellation. Star Altair in the constellation of Aquila. The constellation of Aquila, the Eagle, has been identified as a bird for over 3500 years. Aquila is noted for its number of double stars and planetary nebulae. Altair (at centre) is also known as the Eagle Star or Alpha Aquilae. Altair is the 11th brightest star in the night sky and is only 16 light years away. The spectrum of its light identifies it as a young star (an A7 type). Altair is noted for spinning very rapidly, rotating about every 6 hours; our Sun rotates once every 25 days.