Bellatrix

Bellatrix (γ Orionis) is a blue-white giant star in the constellation Orion. With an apparent magnitude of 1.64 it is the 26th-brightest star in the night sky, and it is about 395 light-years from Earth.

Finder chart showing where Bellatrix is in the constellation Orion
Bellatrix (circled) in Orion, with the surrounding constellations and bright stars.
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Facts

ConstellationOrion
Designationγ Orionis (Gamma Orionis), HR 1790
Apparent magnitude1.64 (26th brightest)
Spectral typeB2III
Colorblue-white (B−V -0.22)
Distanceabout 395 light-years
Right ascension5 h 25.1 min
Declination+6.35°
Best monthJanuary (at about 9 pm)

Sources: star positions, magnitudes and colors from the Yale Bright Star Catalogue; constellation boundaries and star names from the IAU; areas and distances from Wikidata; stick figures by M. van der Sluys. How the maps are made.

How to find Bellatrix

Bellatrix is in Orion. From 40° N it is highest in the south in January evenings, about 56° above the horizon. From 35° S it reaches about 49° in the north. Nearby bright stars: Mintaka (7° away), Betelgeuse (8° away) and Alnilam (8° away).

Orion constellation →

Other named stars in Orion

RigelBetelgeuseAlnilamAlnitakSaiphMintakaHatysaTabitMeissa

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