Alnitak
Product information
Description
Alnitak glows with striking blue brilliance and anchors the eastern end of Orion’s Belt. It stands out clearly in the winter sky and lies near several well-known nebulae, contributing to Orion’s iconic appearance.
Additional Information
- Constellation
- Orion
- Spectral Type
- O9.5Iab
- Apparent Magnitude
- 1.74
- Distance (Light Years)
- 736
- Right Ascension
- 05h 40m 45.5s
- Declination
- −01° 56′ 34″
- Solar Masses
- 33
- Radius (Solar)
- 20
- Temperature (Kelvin)
- 29000
- Age (Million Years)
- 6
Discovery
- Ancient Civilizations
- Babylonians, Greeks, Arabs
- Historical Significance
- Alnitak has been observed since ancient times as one of the three stars forming Orion’s Belt. Its name and position made it a focal point for mythological stories and celestial navigation across cultures.
Cultural Significance
- Mythology
- In Greek mythology, Alnitak is part of Orion’s Belt — often interpreted as the hunter’s sword or belt buckle. The name 'Alnitak' comes from Arabic, meaning 'the girdle', referring to its role in the figure of Orion.
- Navigation
- Alnitak’s bright, consistent presence and near-equatorial position have made it useful for navigation and celestial alignment in both hemispheres.
- Modern Reference
- Alnitak is frequently referenced in astronomy literature and is used as a guidepost by amateur astronomers. It is also located near the Flame Nebula, making it popular for deep-sky astrophotography.
Notable Features
- Stellar Motion
- Alnitak exhibits modest proper motion and is part of Orion OB1, a young association of massive stars.
- Additional Fact
- Alnitak is a massive triple star system. Its primary component is a hot blue supergiant, and the system is one of the most luminous in Orion.
User Dedications
- Dedications
- This star has not been claimed yet. Be the first to dedicate it to someone special!