Alnitak - ζ Orionis (zeta Orionis)
Alnitak, also designated as ζ Orionis (zeta Orionis), is a variable and multiple supergiant star of spectral class O9 in the constellation of Orion.
Alnitak visual magnitude is 2.05, making it the 52th brightest star in the sky. Because of its brightness, Alnitak is clearly visible to the naked eye when observed from locations with dark skies, and should be also quite easily visible from light polluted areas.
Celestial Coordinates
Apparent
J2000
Galactic Coordinates
Finder Chart
Simplified finder chart for Alnitak - ζ Orionis (zeta Orionis).
Magnitude, Color, Spectral Class
The red dot in the diagram below shows where Alnitak is situated in the Hertzsprung–Russell diagram.
Star System Properties
Alnitak is a visual double star which can be observed with the help of medium or large telescopes. The table below shows key information about the Alnitak double sysyem:
Distance, Radial Speed, Proper Motion
Alnitak is distant 817.04 light years from the Sun and it is moving far from the Sun at the speed of 18 kilometers per second.
Alternative Designations
Visibility from Your Location
Today's Alnitak - ζ Orionis (zeta Orionis) rise, transit and set times from Greenwich, UK are the following (all times relative to the local timezone Europe/London):