What type of star is Betelgeuse, which marks Orion's shoulder?
Answer
A reddish supergiant
Betelgeuse is one of the defining stars that outlines the shape of Orion, specifically marking one of the hunter's shoulders. Its spectral characteristics are well-known; it is classified as a reddish supergiant star. This designation indicates a massive star that has exhausted the hydrogen in its core and expanded significantly, giving it a distinct orange-red hue visible to the naked eye, contrasting sharply with the blue light emitted by Rigel.
#Videos
Bright Stars of Orion - Betelgeuse, Rigel, Bellatrix, Belt Stars
Related Questions
What object is traditionally held in Orion's left hand according to Greco-Roman iconography?Which bright star anchors the arm associated with holding the club in Orion?Which three stars form the famous belt that defines the center mass of Orion?What is the identification of Rigel ($eta$ Ori) in the outline of the celestial hunter Orion?What implement is typically attributed to Orion's right hand near Betelgeuse?Near which star is the left hand holding the shield anchored, marking the figure's left shoulder?For observers in the Northern Hemisphere, when does the magnificent constellation Orion appear prominently?What type of star is Betelgeuse, which marks Orion's shoulder?What name, meaning 'the giant,' did the Arabian interpretation assign to Orion?Why are the stellar outlines defining the shield in Orion's left hand often less distinct than the club side?