1.77
Apparent Mag1,200
Distance (ly)O9.5Iab
Spectral Type29,500
Temperature (K)Alnitak is the leftmost star of Orion's Belt and one of the few O-type stars visible to the naked eye. It is a triple star system; the Flame Nebula lies nearby.
Stellar Data
Apparent Magnitude1.77
Absolute Magnitude-6
Distance1,200 light-years
Spectral TypeO9.5Iab
Temperature29,500 K
Luminosity250,000 L☉
Radius20 R☉
Mass33 M☉
Right Ascension05h 40m 45.5s
Declination-01° 56′ 33.3″
ConstellationOrion
Notable Facts
- Alnitak is one of the few O-type supergiants visible to the naked eye
- The Flame Nebula is illuminated by Alnitak's ultraviolet radiation
- It is a triple star system with a combined luminosity of 250,000 Suns