The Stars Of February Are A Varied LOT. Ruddy Betelgeuse, in Orion's shoulder, is a cool giant. Blue Rigel, in Orion's heel, is a furiously hot powerhouse. Whitish Sirius, located off to the southeast, is relatively small and tame, but it shines brighter than any other star in the heavens because of its close proximity to Earth. Still, Betelgeuse, Rigel, and Sirius have one essential thing in common. Like every bright star, they shine by fusion, a process in which atomic nuclei smash together and combine into heavier ones.
展开▼
