Finding Constellations: Orion
One good thing about winter approaching in the UK, is that Orion becomes dominant in the night sky. Finding it is easy – you don’t need to know where it is! Just gaze up on a clear night and look for 3 bright stars slanted in a row. There aren’t any other stars in the sky that resemble this feature.
The three stars are the belt of Orion the Hunter. Framing the belt are two bright stars above; Betelgeuse and Bellatrix, while below the belt are another two bright stars; Saiph and Rigel. Take a look at the pictures above and below. You will have seen this shape in the sky before, now you know that it’s Orion.
Looking at Orion the top left hand bright star is Betelgeuse. This glows with a dull red colour as it is a Red Giant, a star that is near the end of it’s life. Betelgeuse is massive at around 250 times the size of our own Sun. If we replaced our sun with Betelgeuse, its size would completely engulf Earth and its surface would extend as far as Mars.
You can see Orion with the naked eye, but you could use Google Sky, even with an old computer, and you will see a fantastic sight which I will talk about in another post. (Using Google Sky to visit Orion).
The Orion constellation represents a ‘hunter’ in Greek mythology. Look at the belt of the hunter, the three bright stars in a line; Alnitak, Alnilam and Mintaka. The Bible refers to these stars in Job 38.31, when God asks Job if he was able, to “loose the bands of Orion”.
Below that line of stars you can see another vertical line of stars which represents a sword. In the middle of the ’sword’ is the famous M42 Nebula which I will write about in another post.
Hi John,
I used to love Astronomy! Would you believe it I actually got accepted to study a science degree when I was 18 studying computer science and astro-physics. Instead I deferred, studied art and ended up in the nightclub industry!
Oh well! I am getting my computer fix 20 years later. Just shows it is never too late to do what you are meant to. Somehow the life will steer you back on the right path! 
When I used to live in far North Queensland we were able to see Scorpio. It was really large in the sky due to being so close to the equator. I used to love looking at it from the balcony where I used to live. It was awesome.
Great post!
Jacinta
.-= Jacinta Dean´s last blog ..Multi Profit Websites! =-.
Glad you enjoyed the post Jacinta. I'm still learning the constellatons, and don't know Scorpio. I think maybe it's only visible from the Southern Hemisphere? I like your interests; computer science, astro-physics and art - a good wide range of subjects......By the way, when are you going to write a post on how to create all those marvellous smiley icons you use? John[Reply]
Hi John, I enjoyed your article and photos. Maybe winter won’t be so dull after all. I look forward to reading more and to finding Orion’s constellation on a clear night very soon.
.-= Steve Deerfield´s last blog ..Portable Database With Power Windows =-.
Clear winter nights are great for star gazing Steve. All the major constellations are showing their full glory. There is a 'Horses Head' in Orion, and I will write another post about this amazing feature. John[Reply]
Hi John,
I agree with Steve. I cant wait for a clear night to investigate the constellations. As you know we have beautiful skies here in North Norfolk.
Enjoy the journey.
Mandy
.-= Mandy Allen´s last blog ..Does sex equal more hits? =-.
I know you love horses Mandy, so you should have an affinity with Orion. My next "Horses Head" post will explain all.
John[Reply]
Hi John…
As you know Metaphysics and Astronomy are my two favorite subjects! Orion is one of the few constellations I can actually pick out…;)
Thanks for a great post and reminding me how much I love the heavens!
Kathy
.-= Kathy Dobson´s last blog ..MaxBlogPress Optin Form…New Plug In =-.
We are interested in the same things Kathy. I think appreciating the beauty of the night sky, leads naturally to Astronomy and Metaphysics. John[Reply]