How to Find Orion in the Night Sky

The stars in the night sky are fascinating.

Many people can spend hours gazing at the stars at night. Orion is one of the most recognizable constellations. Known as the "great hunter" because he resembles a man, Orion can be seen in the night sky during the winter and spring months, in both the Northern and Southern hemispheres. Once you have spotted Orion for the first time, you will be able to find him again and again with ease.

Things You'll Need

• Telescope

Instructions

1. Go outside in the evening. Look in the southwest sky if you are in the northern hemisphere, or the northwestern sky if you are in the southern hemisphere. Look in the western sky if you live on or near the equator. Use a telescope for a clearer view of the stars.

2. Look for three bright stars close together, forming an almost-straight line. This is Orion's belt. Look for two bright stars to the north of Orion's belt (his shoulders) and two to the south (his feet). The shoulder stars are Bellatrix and Betelgeuse; the latter has a reddish color, which is visible without a telescope. One of his feet is the star Rigel, one of the brightest in the night sky.

3. Visit the Globe at Night website and use the interactive Orion finder for your specific location. Click on your location to see the Orion Finder Chart. Each one represents the sky looking toward Orion at 8pm in March 2007.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are looking for Orion from the southern Hemisphere, bear in mind that the constellation will appear upside down, as if Orion is standing on his head.

References

• Globe at Night: How can I find Orion?
• "Stargazing: Astronomy without a Telescope"; Patrick Moore; 2000

Resources

• Globe at Night: Finding Orion Interactive