Deneb vs Rigel
In the sky the advantage is Rigel's, +0.18 to +1.25 and some 2.7 times the light. By spectral type the pair divides into an A-type star in Cygnus for Deneb and a B-type star in Orion for Rigel. Distance divides them sharply — 1,412 light-years to Deneb against 863 for Rigel.
Property comparison
| Property | Deneb | Rigel |
|---|---|---|
| Designation | 50Alp Cyg | 19Bet Ori |
| Constellation | Cygnus | Orion |
| Spectral Class | Class A — A-type (White) | Class B — B-type (Blue-White) |
| Apparent Magnitude | +1.25 | +0.18 |
| Absolute Magnitude | -6.93 | -6.93 |
| Distance | 1,412 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: Deneb · Rigel
Key differences
Key Differences
- ◆ Deneb is an A-type white supergiant; Rigel is a B-type blue supergiant.
- ◆ Deneb is the most distant first-magnitude star at ~2,615 light-years; Rigel is about 860 light-years away.
- ◆ Deneb has an intrinsic luminosity of ~196,000 L☉ — one of the most luminous known supergiants.
- ◆ Both form vertices of famous asterisms: Deneb in the Summer Triangle, Rigel at Orion's foot.
- ◆ Rigel's mass is slightly higher at ~21 M☉ versus Deneb's ~19 M☉.