Orion the Hunter - The Stars of the Winter Sky

The constellation of Orion dominates the southern sky during winter in the Northern Hemisphere.



The brightest stars of Orion have wonderful names.

The Red Giant star Betelgeuse marks one shoulder, the other shoulder is marked by Bellatrix.

The three Belt Stars (left to right) are Alnitak, Alnilam and Mintaka.

The knees are marked by Saiph and the very bright Rigel.

Like many star names, they are of Arabic origin.

The stars of Orion act as signposts to other stars seen at the same time of year.




Orion's stars are good examples of some of the wide variety of types of stars.


 


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