Orion
Orion is a constellation in the southern sky. It is surrounded by Gemini, Taurus, Eridanus, Lepus and Monoceros.
Orion | |
---|---|
Latin name | Orion |
Latin genitive | Orionis |
International abbreviation | Ori |
Number of stars | 186 |
Symbology | Orion |
Remarkable objects
- α Orionis, Betelgeuse
- β Orionis, Rigel
- M 42, NGC 1976, the Orion Nebula
History and mythology
The great hunter Orion makes up one of the most remarkable constellations in the sky. The stars Betelgeuse and Bellatrix shine from its shoulders, Rigel and Saiph form his feet and the three stars Alnitak, Alnilam and Mintaka grace his belt. According to one of the myths, Orion killed the Scorpion, and as a result they hate each other so much that they refuse to appear simultaneously in the sky: when Orion arises, Scorpius sets, and vice versa.
References
88 Official Constellations by IAU |
Andromeda • Antlia • Apus • Aquarius • Aquila • Ara • Aries • Auriga • Boötes • Caelum • Camelopardalis • Cancer • Canes Venatici • Canis Major • Canis Minor • Capricornus • Carina • Cassiopeia • Centaurus • Cepheus • Cetus • Chamaeleon • Circinus • Columba • Coma Berenices • Corona Australis • Corona Borealis • Corvus • Crater • Crux • Cygnus • Delphinus • Dorado • Draco • Equuleus • Eridanus • Fornax • Gemini • Grus • Hercules • Horologium • Hydra • Hydrus • Indus • Lacerta • Leo • Leo Minor • Lepus • Libra • Lupus • Lynx • Lyra • Mensa • Microscopium • Monoceros • Musca • Norma • Octans • Ophiuchus • Orion • Pavo • Pegasus • Perseus • Phoenix • Pictor • Pisces • Piscis Austrinus • Puppis • Pyxis • Reticulum • Sagitta • Sagittarius • Scorpius • Sculptor • Scutum • Serpens • Sextans • Taurus • Telescopium • Triangulum • Triangulum Australe • Tucana • Ursa Major • Ursa Minor • Vela • Virgo • Volans • Vulpecula |