Rigel

About

Rigel, also known as Beta Orionis, is a prominent blue supergiant star located in the constellation Orion. It serves as the left knee of the hunter in Greek mythology. Rigel is about 860 light-years away from Earth and is incredibly luminous, with a brightness approximately 120,000 times that of the Sun. Its surface temperature is around 10,556 Kelvin, contributing to its blue-white color. Rigel is part of a multiple star system, including companions Rigel B and C. It is an Alpha Cygni-type variable star, meaning its brightness varies slightly over time. Rigel's large size and mass indicate it will end its life in a supernova explosion, potentially leaving behind a black hole or neutron star. Its current stage of evolution involves fusing heavier elements in its core, maintaining its luminosity despite having exhausted its primary fuel sources.