Alnitak (ζ Ori)
Alnitak (ζ Ori) is a double star in the constellation Orion, magnitude 1.9.
The easternmost belt star of Orion, a tight double next to the Flame Nebula. Its components (magnitudes 1.9 and 3.7) lie 2.5″ apart at PA 167° (measured 2022).
When and where to see it
It is best placed in the evening sky around January, when it crosses the meridian at about 10 pm local time (around midnight in December). It can be seen from everywhere south of 88°N and never sets south of 88°S.
At its highest it stands 38° up from 50°N, 53° up from 35°N, 88° up from the equator, 57° up from 35°S.
Facts
- Type
- Double star
- Constellation
- Orion
- Designations
- ζ Ori, Zeta Orionis, 50 Ori, 50 Orionis, STF 774, HIP 26727
- Magnitude
- 1.9
- Position
- RA 5h 40.8m, Dec −1° 57′ (J2000)
Open AstroPilot to see when Alnitak (ζ Ori) is highest tonight from your location, how easy it is with your telescope or binoculars, and an eyepiece view.