Bellatrix vs Rigel
Real luminosity separates the pair by a factor of about 45: absolute magnitude −6.93 for Rigel, −2.80 for Bellatrix. Spectroscopically Bellatrix resolves as a B-type star in Orion and Rigel as a B-type star in Orion. To the unaided eye Rigel leads at magnitude +0.18 to +1.64, a gap of 1.46 worth about 3.8 times the light of Bellatrix.
Property comparison
| Property | Bellatrix | Rigel |
|---|---|---|
| Designation | 24Gam Ori | 19Bet Ori |
| Constellation | Orion | Orion |
| Spectral Class | Class B — B-type (Blue-White) | Class B — B-type (Blue-White) |
| Apparent Magnitude | +1.64 | +0.18 |
| Absolute Magnitude | -2.80 | -6.93 |
| Distance | 252 ly | 863 ly |
| Mass | N/A | N/A |
| Radius | N/A | N/A |
| Temperature | N/A | N/A |
| Luminosity | N/A | N/A |
Full data for each star: Bellatrix · Rigel
Key differences
Key Differences
- ◆ Both are hot B-type stars in Orion, marking opposite corners of the hunter's torso.
- ◆ Rigel (Beta Orionis) is a blue supergiant at ~21 M☉; Bellatrix (Gamma Orionis) is a blue giant at ~8.4 M☉.
- ◆ Rigel is far more luminous at ~120,000 L☉ versus Bellatrix at ~6,400 L☉.
- ◆ Bellatrix is much closer at ~250 light-years; Rigel is also ~860 light-years distant.
- ◆ Bellatrix will eventually become an orange giant and finally a massive white dwarf, not a supernova.