Proper motion

At first sight the stars seem to be in fixed positions with respect to each other, meaning they always form the same figures, and (for example) the Big Dipper looks the same now as forty years ago. More careful observation shows that the constellations change shape very slowly, and that each star has an independent motion.

This motion, caused by the true movement of the stars and the Sun and solar system through space, is called proper motion. It is distinct from the improper motions of the stars, which affect their measured coordinates but are not real motions of the stars themselves. Improper motions are only the apparent motions caused by the motions of Earth (such as precession of the equinoxes and nutation), and by aberration of light.

It can also be described as the apparent change of the star on the celestial sphere, and is measured in seconds of arc per year. Barnard's star has the largest proper motion of all stars, moving at 10.3 seconds of arc per year.