Editing Rigel (section)

== Distance ==
[[File:Treasures3.jpg|thumb|right|alt=A very bright blue-white star with fainter stars near a sharply defined strip of nebulosity|Rigel and [[reflection nebula]] [[IC 2118]] in [[Eridanus (constellation)|Eridanus]]. Rigel B is not visible in the glare of the main star.]]

Rigel's distance from the Sun is somewhat uncertain, different estimates being obtained by different methods. Old estimates placed it 166 parsecs (or 541 light years) away from the Sun.<ref name=v23n06/> The 2007 [[Hipparcos new reduction]] of Rigel's [[stellar parallax|parallax]] is {{val|3.78|0.34|ul=mas}}, giving a distance of {{convert|863|ly|pc|abbr=off}} with a [[margin of error]] of about 9%.<ref name=aaa474_2_653/> Rigel B, usually considered to be physically associated with Rigel and at the same distance, has a [[Gaia Data Release 3]] parallax of {{val|3.2352|0.0553|u=mas}}, suggesting a distance around {{convert|310|pc|ly|abbr=off|order=flip}}. However, the measurements for this object may be unreliable.<ref name=Gaia3/>

Indirect distance estimation methods have also been employed. For example, Rigel is believed to be in a region of [[nebulosity]], its radiation illuminating several nearby clouds. Most notable of these is the 5°-long [[IC 2118]] (Witch Head Nebula),<ref name=Guieu2010/><ref name="Jedicke1992"/> located at an [[angular separation]] of 2.5° from the star,<ref name=Guieu2010/> or a projected distance of {{convert|12|pc|ly|abbr=off|order=flip}} away.<ref name="kalerrigel"/> From measures of other nebula-embedded stars, IC{{spaces}}2118's distance is estimated to be {{convert|291|±|2|pc|ly|0|abbr=off|order=flip}}.<ref name=Kounkel2018/>

Rigel is an outlying member of the [[Orion OB1 association]], which is located at a distance of up to {{convert|500|pc|ly|abbr=off|order=flip}} from Earth. It is a member of the loosely defined [[Taurus-Orion R1 Association]], somewhat closer at {{convert|360|pc|ly|abbr=off|order=flip}}.<ref name=markova/><ref name=racine/> Rigel is thought to be considerably closer than most of the members of Orion OB1 and the [[Orion Nebula]]. Betelgeuse and [[Saiph]] lie at a similar distance to Rigel, although Betelgeuse is a [[runaway star]] with a complex history and might have originally formed in the main body of the association.<ref name=bally/>