About Pi Ori
Description
Pi3 and Pi4 Orionis are two separate hot B-type stars in Orion's shield region — Pi2 retains its Bayer designation at magnitude 3.69. The star cataloged as BS1552 is Pi-2 Orionis, a B2 III giant about 1,050 light-years away. It shines at magnitude 3.69 and is a member of the Orion OB1 stellar association. The star has estimated mass of 10 solar masses and is a source of X-rays from its fast stellar wind.
Observing Tips
Pi-2 Ori is one of the shield stars of Orion. Use binoculars to trace the whole arc of shield stars; Pi-2 appears crisp and blue-white. Best observed November through March.
History
Pi-2 Orionis has no widely-used traditional name in current IAU catalogs.
Fun Facts
Pi-2 Ori is a member of the vast Orion OB1 association — the closest young massive-star association to the Sun, extending across most of the constellation. Its stellar wind contributes to heating and ionizing the surrounding interstellar gas.
Observe
1Physical Properties
2Position & Identifiers
3How easy to spot?
| Equipment | Bortle 3 | Bortle 4 | Bortle 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Naked eye Naked eye | Easy | Medium+ | Medium+ |
| 50 mm finder 50mm finder | Easy | Easy | Easy |
| 150 mm telescope 150mm scope | Easy | Easy | Easy |
Bortle 3 = rural · 4 = outer suburbs · 5 = suburbs
4Visibility
Set a location in User Settings to see visibility data.
5Survey Image
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Explore
7
Size Comparison
8
Compare Stars
9
Spectral Classification
10
Hertzsprung-Russell Diagram
11
Stellar Lifecycle
12
Blackbody Spectrum
13
Stellar Absorption Spectrum
Simulated absorption spectrum based on spectral type. Hover over lines to identify elements.
14
Stellar Fusion
Discover
15Stellar Notes
16
Light Travel Time Machine
17
Relativistic Travel
Nearby in the Sky
Other targets within a few degrees — pan your scope a little and keep exploring.
Visibility scores assume a 150 mm Newton at Bortle 4.
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