How to identify the constellation Orion in the night sky

Did you know that a classic constellation, and one of the easiest constellations to find in the night sky even for astronomy newbies, may be overhead right now (if you’re reading this article at night, of course)? ? Available in various mythologies, The constellation Orion has been a reference point for star lovers for thousands of years.

The giant predator of the universe attracted the attention of our ancestors both due to its distinctive shape and the intense brightness of the stars that make up the constellation. After all, who doesn’t know the mysterious Três Marias?

Are you curious to discover how you can identify the constellation Orion in the sky faster without needing any special equipment? Check out the full guide that TecMundo has prepared for you!

Orion mythology

The name is inspired by Orion, the hunter from Greek mythology, a hero known for his strength, skill and dexterity. The choice is due to the constellation’s resemblance to a standing warrior figure holding a sword in one hand and a shield in the other.; Let’s not forget his three star ‘belt’.

In some interpretations, the stars of the area show a hunter gazing at a bull represented by the neighboring constellation known as Taurus (Taurus). However, this war is not mentioned in Greek mythology.

Actually, The story goes that Orion was killed by a scorpion, which is why the constellation is associated with the constellation Scorpio.

“Orion is one of the most visible constellations and contains many bright stars. These include the variable star Betelgeuse, easily recognized by its reddish color and the 11th brightest star in the sky at magnitude 0.6. Orion’s brightest star, Rigel, located on the Orion’s ‘leg’, has a magnitude of 0.1 and is the 7th brightest star in the sky,” is described in the encyclopedia Britannica.

How to observe the Orion constellation?

The constellation Orion is one of the easiest constellations to recognize due to the number of bright stars that resemble the shape of the hunter. The most iconic of these are the three stars lined up in the center. Known as Orion’s Belt; In some cultures, these stars are also called the ‘Three Marys’.

Before explaining how to identify Orion, it is important to understand that a constellation is a defined area in the sky where specific groups of stars are located. In general terms, this is similar to the classic connect-the-dots game: a ‘image’ is created in space by connecting all the stars in a region.

According to a publication from the United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the easiest way to identify the constellation Orion with the naked eye is on a clear night.

Just find three stars almost perfectly aligned (Orion’s Belt), plus two bright stars in the north representing the shoulders and two other stars in the south symbolizing the hunter’s feet.

It is easy to see in both hemispheres of the planet, but in Brazil it is more easily observed during the summer months, between December and January.

What stars make up the constellation Orion?

The stars that make up the constellation Orion are:

Orion’s Belt

Orion’s Belt consists of the stars Alnitak, Alnilam and Mintaka, which are aligned in an almost perfect straight line and are located in the center of the constellation. These are the stars that make Orion so recognizable, but they aren’t the brightest.

betelgeuse

Betelgeuse is a red supergiant of variable brightness and is considered one of the brightest stars in the sky. When you observe this, you will notice an orange glow that may appear weaker or stronger depending on its variability.

Bellatrix

Bellatrix is ​​a star in the constellation Orion that represents the hunter’s right shoulder. Although less bright than Betelgeuse or Rigel, it is also easily visible to the naked eye.

Rigel

Rigel is a blue supergiant star that represents Orion’s ‘right foot’. It is the brightest star in the constellation and the seventh brightest star in the night sky. Its blue color and intense brightness make it one of the favorite stars of astronomy enthusiasts.

saif

Saiph is a blue supergiant in the constellation Orion that forms the “left foot” of the hunter. Although it is not as bright as Rigel and Betelgeuse, it can still be easily observed with the naked eye.

Did you like the content? That’s why I always stay updated with more astronomical tips like on TecMundo. If you wish, take the opportunity to discover what other constellations we can see with the naked eye. Until later!