Finding The Orion Constellation
January 12th 2011 06:40
Category: Astronomy
When looking at the night sky you get an appreciation of how vast the universe can be.
If it are starting out and would like to learn a bit more about astronomy and a good place to start is the Constellations of the night sky.
Perhaps the easiest one to start with is the Constellation of a Orion the Hunter. This striking Constellation can be seen in both hemispheres and is easily identified by the belt of Orion and it’s three main stars Alnitak Anilam and Mintaka.
The sword is formed by fainter stars arranged in a line and is easily seen with the naked eye. Orion is perhaps one of the easiest Constellation to spot.
The sword of Orion holds one of the most distinctive object perhaps the “jewl” called the Orion nebula.
You can see the Orion nebula with the naked eye even if you have moderate light pollution.
The Orion nebula of commonalty called M 43 is classed as a Messier object after French astronomer Charles Messier in 1771 who made a list of astronomical objects.
The Orion nebula is vast cloud of hydrogen gas the nebula glows is provided by the radiation given off after the formation of very young stars.
The Orion constellation can be seen in both Northern and Southern hemispheres.
Orion as it appears in the Northern hemisphere
Observers in the Southern hemisphere The summer season is the best time to find Orion look towards the North East around 8:30 pm.
However observers in the Southern hemisphere The Orion Constellation can appear to look different. When crossing hemispheres.
The Orion Constellation appears to be upside down in the Southern hemisphere. The reason it appears different is the observer’s location it’s just our perspective has changed the Constellation remains in a fixed position.
The Orion constellation as it appears in the Southern hemisphere
All you need to do is go out and find the Orion Constellation. Any questions or comments can be made on my blog site at Atstroearth.net I look forward to reading your comments.
Until next time clear skies and Happy Hunting.
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Comment by S.L.
The Political Brief
Comment by CarlCan
Astroearth
Camera Sense
Hi S.L.
Try looking between East and South East
Just above the horizon you will see a bright star Sirius try looking up you there should be a waning Moon.
Orion should be between Sirius and the waning Moon.
Let me know if you spotted it.
Comment by S.L.
The Political Brief
Comment by CarlCan
Astroearth
Camera Sense
Ok, by location I meant this blogsite.
The address given was incorrect.
I have made a correction sorry for the confusion.
BTW did you get to see Orion?
Comment by S.L.
The Political Brief