The bright star in the center of the image is Pi Auriga (π Aur). Classified as an irregular variable, Pi Aur is a red giant that is observed to be an orange hued type M star.

π Aur it is located in the Auriga constellation and at magnitude 4.25 of brightness, it can be seen without aid from most locations.

The spectral type of this star is M3IIb and it has the characteristic hue of most other type M red giants.

This star was cataloged as a type M star as early as 1926 when it was included in "The absolute magnitudes and parallaxes of 410 stars of type M." by (Adams W.S., Joy A.H. and Humason M.L.)