Rigel: A radiant star in the constellation Lep, positioned at coordinates RA 78.6345°, Dec -8.2016°. It’s currently observed as a magnitude of 0.18, suggesting a relatively modest visual presence compared to brighter stars. The star is part of the Lep c

Rigel’s distinctive appearance is largely due to its exceptional spectral type and unusual angular variability. These properties allow astronomers to discern a subtle layering of ionized hydrogen and helium, a characteristic prominent within its star-making complex. These layered compositions are consistent with a young star undergoing core fusion in its intense, hot surface environment. Since it has an incredibly fast rotation, this means that the brightness of the star changes significantly over a short time frame. It is considered a variable star in that it appears brighter at lower altitudes and dimmer at higher altitudes.

The significance of Rigel as a 'visible' object often draws consideration in the study of cosmological timescales. Its inherent brightness, combined with its distinct configuration within the Lep constellation, has been utilized within observational studies designed to assess stellar evolution, and to provide a basis for calculations regarding stellar dynamics. The relative positions of stars that orbit Rigel, and to a lesser extent its nearby companions, point towards a dynamic system within the Milky Way's overall structure.

Observational studies consistently reveal Rigel to be a relatively low-luminosity object, although in comparison to the brightest stars of the constellation, it does possess a fascinating and measurable influence on the wide celestial panorama.

How to see it

Rigel has a visual magnitude of about 0.18: under a reasonably dark sky it is typically reachable with the unaided eye.

Sky position

Equatorial coordinates for Rigel: right ascension 5h 14m 32s, declination −8° 12′ 6″ (J2000), in the region of the Lepus constellation (IAU figure Lep).

Lepus — Explore by constellation

Catalog context

Rigel. It appears in classical and modern catalogs as Bayer/Flamsteed designation 19Bet Ori, HIP 24436, HD 34085, Gaia DR3 HYG-HIP-24436. In the SkyKeepsake Lepus (Lep) browse hub it sits with other stars of the same IAU figure.

Catalog identifiers

Gaia

Gaia DR3 HYG-HIP-24436

HIP

24436

HD

34085

gaia_dr3

HYG-HIP-24436

Bayer / Flamsteed

19Bet Ori

Also known as

• 19Bet Ori
• Gaia DR3 TOP 5M HYG-HIP-24436
• HD 34085
• HIP 24436
• HYG-HIP-24436

Observed properties

Visual magnitude

0.18