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Stars Alnilam & Mintaka in Orion
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Stars Alnilam & Mintaka in Orion
Mintaka and Alnilam stars. Optical photograph of Mintaka (top right) and Alnilam (lower left), stars in the constellation of Orion. Mintaka (Delta Orionis) has a magnitude of 1.7 and lies 1200 light years from Earth. Alnilam (Epsilon Orionis) has a magnitude of 2.2 and is 2300 light years away. Orion has a belt made up of three equally bright stars. Mintaka is the furthest east of the three with Alnilam at centre. This image is from the UK Schmidt telescope in Siding Springs, Australia, which is run by the Royal Observatory, Edinburgh, Scotland. The telescope has a 1.8 metre primary mirror. North is at top
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Media ID 6444237
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Cosmology Orion Star Stellar Uk Schmidt Telescope Imagery Alnilam Mintaka
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the stunning beauty of two stars, Alnilam and Mintaka, nestled in the constellation of Orion. With its optical precision, the image captures Mintaka in the top right corner and Alnilam in the lower left corner. These celestial wonders hold significant astronomical importance. Mintaka, also known as Delta Orionis, shines with a magnitude of 1.7 and resides an astonishing 1200 light years away from our planet Earth. Positioned furthest east among three equally bright stars that form Orion's belt, Mintaka stands out as a beacon of cosmic brilliance. Alnilam, or Epsilon Orionis, takes center stage within this photograph. Radiating with a magnitude of 2.2, it lies at a staggering distance of 2300 light years from us. Its placement amidst Orion's belt adds to the allure and symmetry displayed by these celestial bodies. Captured by the UK Schmidt telescope located in Siding Springs, Australia—a facility overseen by Scotland's Royal Observatory—this awe-inspiring imagery offers a glimpse into our vast universe. The telescope's remarkable 1.8-meter primary mirror enables scientists to explore distant galaxies and unravel mysteries beyond our imagination. As we gaze upon this mesmerizing snapshot where North is positioned at the top, we are reminded of humanity's insatiable curiosity about what lies beyond our own world—an eternal quest for knowledge that continues to drive scientific exploration forward.
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