Exploring the Bright Stars in Orion Constellation

What are the distinguishing characteristics between Betelgeuse and Rigel?

Why does Betelgeuse appear red while Rigel appears blue?

Understanding Betelgeuse and Rigel in the Orion Constellation

Betelgeuse and Rigel are two prominent stars in the Orion constellation, each exhibiting unique characteristics that set them apart.

Betelgeuse, a red supergiant star, showcases a reddish hue that signifies its lower surface temperature compared to blue stars like Rigel. On the other hand, Rigel, a blue supergiant star, emits a bluish tint due to its higher surface temperature.

These distinct colors serve as visual indicators of the stars' respective surface temperatures, with red stars being cooler and blue stars being hotter. Betelgeuse, with a surface temperature of approximately 3,500K, is cooler than the hotter Rigel, which boasts a temperature of around 12,000K.

Both stars play a pivotal role in the grandeur of the Orion constellation, captivating stargazers with their striking colors and fascinating characteristics.