Rigel (β Orionis) is the brightest star in the constellation Orion. It is about 770 light-years (ly) away and has an apparent magnitude of 0.12 mag. Rigel is part of the Winter Hexagon.
Although it is brighter than α Orionis (Beteigeuze, 0.42 mag), it is referred in astronomy as β Orionis. This is because Betelgeuse (like almost all red supergiants) is an irregular variable and can occasionally outperform Rigel at its maximum.
Rigel is the 7th brightest star in the night sky.
| Rigel | |
|---|---|
| Constellation | Orion |
| Right ascension | 05h 14m 32.3s |
| Declination | −8° 12′ 05.9″ |
| Apparent magnitude | 0.18 mag |
| Distance | (770 ± 130) ly |
| Bayer designation | β Orionis |
| Bright Star Catalogue | HR 1713 |
| Hipparcos Catalogue | HIP 24436 |
| SAO Catalogue | SAO 131907 |
