Bellatrix
Gamma Orionis, 24 Orionis
Proper Name
  Bellatrix
Bayer Designation
  Gamma Orionis
Flamsteed Number
  24 Orionis
BSC
  1790
HD
  35468
Constellation
  Orion
Right Ascension
  5h 25m 13s
Declination
  +6° 21' 1"
Distance
  243 light years
  75 parsecs
Magnitude
  Apparent: +1.5 to +1.6
  Absolute: -2.8
Spectral Class
  B2
  Blue Giant
Optimum Visibility
  December/January
Although its magnitude varies slightly, this blue giant is always prominent. With Betelgeuse, it forms the 'shoulders' of Orion the Hunter.

Bellatrix and its Gaseous Shell
An active star, several times more massive than our Sun, Bellatrix is approaching the end of the current stage of its lifecycle, and is expected to evolve into an orange giant within a matter of a few million years. Already, it has developed a growing shell of gaseous matter that heralds the beginning of its transformation.

Location of Bellatrix
Bellatrix is the star that marks Orion's western shoulder. It's eastern counterpart is Betelgeuse, just out of view to the left of this map.
Image of Bellatrix
In common with many stars, the blue giant Bellatrix has a smaller and fainter companion.
Relative Galactic Position of Bellatrix
The Galactic position and direction of Bellatrix relative to Earth's Sun. Note that, at this extreme scale, the two stars are effectively in the same place.
Indexes
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  • Star Names Index
  • Bayer Stars Index
  • Flamsteed Stars Index
  • Related Entries
  • Betelgeuse
  • Orion