Bellatrix

Bellatrix, also designated as Gamma Orionis (γ Orionis), is the third-brightest star in the constellation Orion, and one of the brightest stars in the night sky. It is a blue giant star located approximately 250 light-years from Earth.

Stellar Characteristics:

Bellatrix is classified as a B2 III giant star. This indicates that it is a hot, luminous blue star that has exhausted the hydrogen in its core and begun to evolve away from the main sequence. Its surface temperature is estimated to be around 22,000 Kelvin, making it much hotter and bluer than the Sun. Bellatrix has a mass approximately 8.6 times that of the Sun and a radius about 6 times solar. Its luminosity is over 9,000 times that of the Sun.

Location and Visibility:

Bellatrix is located in the northern shoulder of the Orion constellation, opposite Betelgeuse. It is easily visible to the naked eye as a bright, slightly bluish star. Its coordinates are approximately Right Ascension 05h 25m 07.9s and Declination +06° 20′ 59″.

Etymology and Mythology:

The name Bellatrix is Latin for "female warrior." It has historically been associated with various warrior women figures in different cultures.

Future Evolution:

Given its mass, Bellatrix is expected to eventually end its life as a Type II supernova. It is not massive enough to become a black hole.