Orion

Description

Orion is perhaps the most recognizable constellation in the sky, visible from both hemispheres. Orion's Belt (the Three Kings) is unmistakable. It contains the famous Orion Nebula (M42) and Betelgeuse, a red supergiant.

Mythology and History

Orion was a giant hunter, the most skilled of all. He was killed by a scorpion sent by Gaia (or Artemis in other versions). That's why Orion and Scorpius are at opposite ends of the sky.

How to Observe

Visible from November to April. The belt points to Sirius (southeast) and Aldebaran (northwest). The Orion Nebula is visible to the naked eye as a fuzzy patch in the "sword".

Main Stars