Orion

Orion is a prominent constellation located on the celestial equator and visible throughout the world. It is one of the most conspicuous and recognizable constellations in the night sky.

Etymology

The name "Orion" is derived from the ancient Greek mythology, where Orion was a gigantic, supernaturally strong hunter of ancient times, born to Euryale, the daughter of King Minos of Crete, and Poseidon, god of the sea in the Greek mythology.

Location and visibility

Orion is located on the celestial equator, making it visible throughout the world. It is bordered by Taurus to the northwest, Eridanus to the southwest, Lepus to the south, Monoceros to the east, and Gemini to the northeast. Orion is most visible in the evening sky from January to March, winter in the Northern Hemisphere, and summer in the Southern Hemisphere.

Major stars

Orion includes several bright stars, including Betelgeuse, a red supergiant located on the shoulder of the constellation, and Rigel, a blue-white supergiant that is the brightest star in the constellation. The three stars in Orion's Belt — Alnitak, Alnilam, and Mintaka — are more or less evenly spaced in a straight line.

Orion's Belt

Orion's Belt or The Belt of Orion is an asterism within the constellation. It consists of the three bright stars Alnitak, Alnilam and Mintaka. Looking for Orion's Belt in the night sky is the easiest way to locate the constellation.

Mythology

In Greek mythology, Orion was a great hunter who was placed in the sky by Zeus, the king of the Greek gods, after his death. There are several versions of the myth of Orion, but one of the most common tells of his death at the hands of Artemis, the goddess of the hunt, after he threatened to kill all the animals on Earth.

In popular culture

Orion has been referenced in numerous forms of media, from the works of William Shakespeare to modern science fiction, and its stars have been used for navigation throughout history.

See also

• List of constellations
• Star formation
• Astronomy in the medieval Islamic world