What Causes Betelgeuse to Appear Red and Rigel to Appear Blue?

Why does Betelgeuse appear red and Rigel blue? The color of a star is determined by its surface temperature. Betelgeuse appears red because it has a relatively low surface temperature, around 3,000 to 4,000 Kelvin. This makes it a cool star compared to others. On the other hand, Rigel appears blue because it has a much higher surface temperature, around 11,000 Kelvin. Blue stars are considered hotter than red stars. The color of a star is also influenced by its spectral class. Betelgeuse is classified as a red supergiant star, while Rigel is classified as a blue supergiant star. The spectral class provides additional information about the star's composition and size. In summary, the difference in color between Betelgeuse and Rigel is primarily due to their different surface temperatures. Betelgeuse appears red because it is a cooler star, while Rigel appears blue because it is a hotter star.

Surface Temperature and Color of Stars

Stars emit different colors depending on their surface temperature. Surface temperature plays a crucial role in determining the color of a star. The color of a star is closely related to its surface temperature, with cooler stars appearing red and hotter stars appearing blue.

Understanding Betelgeuse and Rigel

Betelgeuse and Rigel are both massive stars with different surface temperatures. Betelgeuse, which appears red, has a lower surface temperature compared to Rigel, which appears blue. This temperature variation leads to the distinct colors observed in these stars. Betelgeuse is classified as a red supergiant star, while Rigel is classified as a blue supergiant star. Their spectral classes also contribute to their color differences.

Role of Spectral Class

Spectral class provides additional insights into a star's properties. The spectral class of a star offers information about its composition, size, and temperature. Betelgeuse and Rigel belong to different spectral classes, further accentuating their color variations. The combination of surface temperature and spectral class results in Betelgeuse appearing red and Rigel appearing blue.

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