Orion- The Hunter
Orion
Orion is located in the celestial equator.
The constellation can be seen throughout the world.
It is clearly visible from November to February.
Orion is one of the most recognizable constellations
in the night sky and is the 26th largest constellation.
The constellation can be seen throughout the world.
It is clearly visible from November to February.
Orion is one of the most recognizable constellations
in the night sky and is the 26th largest constellation.
The Stars
The seven major stars that make up Orion are: Betelgeuse, Saiph, Bellatrix, Rigel, Alnitak, Alnilam, and Mintaka. Betelgeuse is a red super-giant and is located in Orion’s left shoulder. Saiph is a blue super-giant and is located in Orion’s left foot. Rigel is another blue super-giant and is located in Orion’s right foot. The three stars that make up Orion’s belt are Alnilam, Mintaka, Alnitak. Orion also has a nebula located in his sword, it is known as “the Orion Nebula”.
Neighboring Constellations
Eridanus, Gemini, Lepus, Monoceros, and Taurus are all neighboring constellations to Orion. Astronomers have depicted that Orion is either facing the charge of Taurus, the bull or chasing after Lepus, the hare with his two hunting dogs, Canis Major and Canis Minor.
Mythology
In Greek mythology Orion is known as The Hunter, in honor of a great hunter. He is the son of Neptune and the nymph Eurayle. In Egyptian mythology Orion is seen as a tribute to the god of light, Osiris. Other cultures saw him as a turtle or an octopus.
Sources
- Information:
- http://www.space.com/16659-constellation-orion.html
- http://www.constellation-guide.com/constellation-list/orion-constellation/
- http://stardate.org/nightsky/constellations/orion
- http://donnayoung.org/science/constellation-orion.htm
- http://cas.sdss.org/dr5/en/proj/kids/constellation/orionstars.asp
- http://www.daviddarling.info/encyclopedia/S/Saiph.html
- http://www.gb.nrao.edu/~rmaddale/Education/OrionTourCenter/mythology.html
Photos:
- http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8ULemAIt_A4/TOjoRuQU9zI/AAAAAAAAAfg/DqCS5AQ6m5g/s1600/orion.jpg
- http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Yz8UrquOEG8/TTjj_yUxA1I/AAAAAAAABVo/2W_WbcdlTF8/s1600/orion_large.jpg