Rigel (β Ori)
Rigel (β Ori) is a double star in the constellation Orion, magnitude 0.3.
The brilliant blue-white supergiant of Orion; its faint companion is a classic test of optics in the glare. Its components (magnitudes 0.3 and 6.8) lie 9.4″ apart at PA 204° (measured 2023).
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 82°N and never sets south of 82°S.
At its highest it stands 32° up from 50°N, 47° up from 35°N, 82° up from the equator, 63° up from 35°S.
Facts
- Type
- Double star
- Constellation
- Orion
- Designations
- β Ori, Beta Orionis, 19 Ori, 19 Orionis, STF 668, HIP 24436
- Magnitude
- 0.3
- Position
- RA 5h 14.5m, Dec −8° 12′ (J2000)
Open AstroPilot to see when Rigel (β Ori) is highest tonight from your location, how easy it is with your telescope or binoculars, and an eyepiece view.