Let’s continue our journey across the sky by visiting a popular winter constellation, the mythical Orion. Known for his trademark belt, the boastful hunter kneels in the sky just across from Scorpio, eternally separated after their deathly battle. As the story goes, Orion bragged that he would kill all the animals, angering Earth goddess Gaia, who then sent Scorpio to kill Orion. After a fierce battle, Orion succumbed to the monstrous scorpion’s fatal sting. In remembrance, Zeus placed them on opposite sides of the sky to ensure Scorpio could never hurt Orion again.
Ever ready for the hunt, Orion is easy to spot, holds his own delights, and guides stargazers to other winter constellations.
First, find the three, distinct stars lined up to create his belt. Above and below the belt is a misshapen rectangle, representing his upper and lower body. As bright blue giants and supergiants, all but one star of Orion is visibly blue when viewed in darker skies, with the exception being the red giant Betelgeuse. (Don’t worry: It’s safe to say this name three times.)
Orion keeps his sword handy, represented by a string of stars hanging from the left side of his belt. The Orion Nebula, appearing as a smudge spot, rests in his blade. This smudge is faintly visible in city lights and, of course, is more apparent in darker skies (where I suggest also viewing the nebula through binoculars or a telescope for an even more breathtaking view of this stellar nursery).
Orion also hosts the annual Orionids meteor shower in October and November, provided courtesy of debris from Halley’s Comet.
Following an imaginary line up and to the right from his belt lands you in Taurus. Follow an imaginary line up and to the left from the left shoulder, and you’re in Gemini. If you follow an imaginary line down and to the left of his belt, you will be in Canis Major, and if you follow a line extending to the left from his shoulder stars, you will find Canis Minor. Mighty polite of him to acknowledge his canine hunting crew. These are just a few of the winter constellations Orion guides stargazers to view as we star hop across the night sky.
The cooler weather offers us a great time to check out nearby dark skies. Alibates Flint Quarry offers some fantastic walking trails during daylight hours, with dark skies rife for spotting Orion and his friends after a picnic dinner. Grab your blankets, some hot chocolate, and enjoy spotting all Orion has to offer!
