Star profile

Rho Orionis

3D likeness based on its real data · class K · ~4,200 K

What is Rho Orionis

Rho Orionis is an orange K-type giant at three hundred and fifty light-years, settled north of Orion's famous belt. Although it lies outside the hunter's most photographed figures —the belt, the sword, the giant shoulders— its warm tone contrasts with the dominant blues of the most recognisable constellation in the winter sky. An orange note within a blue symphony.

Where it is and when to see it

Rho Orionis lies in the northern celestial hemisphere. It is visible to the naked eye under a dark sky. Its best month of the year is December, when it culminates around midnight.

From London it culminates about 41° above the horizon.
From New York it culminates about 52° above the horizon.
From Sydney it culminates about 53° above the horizon.

It can be seen from anywhere north of 87° S.

It ranks no. 26 in brightness among the 128 stars of Orion in our catalogue. To find it, start from Rigel, the brightest: it lies about 11° away (a fist at arm's length covers about 10°).

The light you see today left it about 350 years ago.

Find it on the sky map

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A public signature from a real person. The chosen name is a symbolic denomination within Stelvia, with no official standing or IAU recognition: the sky is not for sale and belongs to no one.

Astronomical data for Rho Orionis

Constellation: Orion
Apparent magnitude: 4.46
Distance: 350.0 light years
Coordinates (J2000): RA 78.323° · Dec 2.861°
Catalogue: HIP 24331 · HD 33856

A symbolic commemorative gift: neither the signature nor the chosen name implies ownership of the star or recognition by the IAU.

Other stars in Orion

Orion has 128 stars in Stelvia's catalogue. Here are a few of them.

See all 128 stars in Orion