Rigel (Beta Orionis) -- Double Star in Orion
Rigel is a supergiant star shinning with the equivalence of 58,000 times our sun. If
Rigel was placed at the distance of Sirius (our brightest nighttime star) it would
shine as bright as a half-moon. At the unbelievable distance of 500 light years it still
shines as the 7th brightest star in our night sky.
“Exquisite! Rigel shines like a brilliant blue-white diamond with a delicate blue
companion”. This quote from Kepple & Sanner’s book “The Night Sky Observer’s
Guide Volume 1” is right on! With a separation of 9 arcseconds I find this an easily
split double at moderate powers in modest amateur telescopes and one of finest
doubles to be found in Orion.
Rigel was placed at the distance of Sirius (our brightest nighttime star) it would
shine as bright as a half-moon. At the unbelievable distance of 500 light years it still
shines as the 7th brightest star in our night sky.
“Exquisite! Rigel shines like a brilliant blue-white diamond with a delicate blue
companion”. This quote from Kepple & Sanner’s book “The Night Sky Observer’s
Guide Volume 1” is right on! With a separation of 9 arcseconds I find this an easily
split double at moderate powers in modest amateur telescopes and one of finest
doubles to be found in Orion.