Rigel
2
8.2
- proper noun
- /ˈraɪdʒəl/
- The bright blue Rigel and, above all, Betelgeuse, are not likely to be alive as visible stars at that distant epoch.
- the bright star Rigel
- blue Rigel
Examples
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To the south of Orion's belt lies the Hunter's bright foot, the blue supergiant star Rigel, even brighter than Betelgeuse, a young, hot star more than eight hundred light-years away, shining with light that left around the time that Saladin grappled with the Crusaders.
Academic text (1991) -
As we gazed up at the night sky, the brilliant star Rigel stood out prominently in the constellation Orion.
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Rigel is a B supergiant.
Academic text (2005) -
Rigel is a B8Iab star or a blue supergiant.
Academic text (2005) -
The three stars in the belt, the two bright shoulders, and the one bright foot (Rigel) are the most easily recognized parts of Orion.
Academic text (1991) -
I unzipped the tent and looked out at the stars: Rigel, Algol, clear, cold, and changeless.
Fiction book (1990) -
Check out Betelgeuse, glowing dully red at Orion's shoulder, and Rigel, a laser blue at his knee.
Blog text (28) -
As part of the Spitzer Observing Program for Students and Teachers, Spuck led his group of educators in observations of the Witch Head nebula, located in the direction of the constellation Orion and its bright star Rigel.
Academic text (2007) -
In the winter months, Rigel is easily spotted shining brightly among the stars of the southern sky.
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Astronomers often study Rigel for its brightness and significance as the major star in Orion.
Synonyms
1
8.3
A very bright star in the pattern of stars called Orion
Surface Forms
Etymology
Rigel comes from the Arabic word rijl, which means 'foot'. Ancient sky watchers called it the 'left foot of the giant' Orion, and because it marks that spot in the sky and shines very brightly, the name helps you remember this bright star.