Rigel
Product information
Description
Rigel radiates a brilliant blue-white light, dominating the lower right of Orion. Its shimmering presence and stellar mass make it one of the most luminous stars observable to the naked eye.
Additional Information
- Constellation
- Orion
- Spectral Type
- B8Ia
- Apparent Magnitude
- 0.13
- Distance (Light Years)
- 860
- Right Ascension
- 05h 14m 32.3s
- Declination
- −08° 12′ 06″
- Solar Masses
- 21
- Radius (Solar)
- 78.9
- Temperature (Kelvin)
- 12100
- Age (Million Years)
- 8
Discovery
- Ancient Civilizations
- Greeks, Arabs
- Historical Significance
- Rigel has been a prominent fixture in the night sky since antiquity. Known to the Greeks and Arabs, it has been used as a celestial reference point for centuries. Its name derives from the Arabic phrase 'Rijl Jauza al Yusrā', meaning 'The Left Leg of the Giant'.
Cultural Significance
- Mythology
- In mythology, Rigel marks the left foot of Orion, the hunter. It's one of the defining stars in the Orion constellation, appearing in countless sky lore stories across different cultures.
- Navigation
- Due to its high brightness and position near the celestial equator, Rigel was a crucial navigational aid for ancient sailors navigating both northern and southern waters.
- Modern Reference
- Rigel is frequently cited in astronomy literature and featured in planetarium shows. Its luminosity and iconic placement in Orion make it a favorite target for amateur astronomers and astrophotographers.
Notable Features
- Stellar Motion
- Rigel exhibits noticeable proper motion, though its vast distance makes this subtle to the eye.
- Additional Fact
- Rigel is a massive blue supergiant nearing the end of its life. It's part of a multiple star system and is expected to one day end in a supernova explosion.
User Dedications
- Dedications