Betelgeuse

Looking at Orion this evening I have convinced myself that Betelgeuse is brighter than Rigel which isn't supposed to be the case as Rigel is listed as 0.15 and Betelgeuse is supposed to be max 0.3 min 1.2.

I asked my wife which she thought was brighter and she said Betelgeuse too.

Is anyone else able to have a look? Is it possible that Betelgeuse, which is variable and indeed a candidate supernova, is in some sort of mild brightening phase?

Paul

Something to bear in mind is that Rigel is signifficantly lower down compared to Betelgeuse so that could be having a slight effect.

Bart.

Something to bear in mind is that Rigel is signifficantly lower down compared to Betelgeuse so that could be having a slight effect.

Bart.

that is true but if you look at the link below from the aavso it appears it is getting brighter

AAVSO link


*Edited by Seanie Morris: link edited so that the looong link would not stretch 3 page widths!

Hi Paul, why don't you ask your question here:

aavso-discussion@aavso.org

Keith..

I'll ask!

Will the answer come back by email?

Clear skies,

Paul.

Hi,

A few points need to be considered:

1. As already pointed out Betelgeuse is higher than Rigel. Try to observe Betelgeuse and any comparison star when both are high in the sky, i.e. when they are near the Meridian and not too different in altitude. This reduces any differential extinction.

2. Betelgeuse is a red star which can cause it to appear brighter. Try putting both stars out of focus. This is where people wearing glasses have an advantage, just take them off.

3. Beware of any thin, almost imperceptible cloud.

4. Do not be biased by other peoples observations. The magnitude limits given are not hard and fast.

There is a lot a scatter in the AAVSO raw data. Keep on estimating!

John