Saiph
Product information
Description
Saiph glows with a cold, bluish light in the lower right of Orion’s figure. Though outshone by Betelgeuse and Rigel, it plays a key role in Orion’s striking geometry and is easily seen on clear winter nights.
Additional Information
- Constellation
- Orion
- Spectral Type
- B0.5Ia
- Apparent Magnitude
- 2.06
- Distance (Light Years)
- 720
- Right Ascension
- 05h 47m 45.4s
- Declination
- −09° 40′ 10″
- Solar Masses
- 15
- Radius (Solar)
- 22
- Temperature (Kelvin)
- 26000
- Age (Million Years)
- 6.5
Discovery
- Ancient Civilizations
- Greeks, Babylonians, Arabs
- Historical Significance
- Saiph has been known since antiquity and was recognized by multiple ancient civilizations as part of the Orion constellation, often associated with a warrior or hunter figure.
Cultural Significance
- Mythology
- In ancient Greek mythology, Saiph forms part of the Orion figure, typically representing the hunter’s right knee. The star has been part of similar hunter legends across various cultures.
- Navigation
- Though not among the brightest, Saiph contributes to the recognizable pattern of Orion, one of the most navigationally useful constellations in the night sky.
- Modern Reference
- Saiph is frequently referenced in astronomy guides and is a well-known star for amateur stargazers tracing Orion.
Notable Features
- Stellar Motion
- Saiph exhibits typical stellar motion and is gradually evolving toward the end stages of its life.
- Additional Fact
- Saiph is a massive blue supergiant nearing the supernova phase, known for its intense luminosity and role in defining Orion’s iconic outline.
User Dedications
- Dedications
- This star has not been claimed yet. Be the first to dedicate it to someone special!