Finding Orion The Hunter

Orion, also called “The Hunter”, is a prominent constellation that is visible all over the world. How do I find Orion The Hunter, which has a total of seven stars?

Orion is one of the easiest constellations to find, if you know where and what to look for. Hint: Orion’s Belt is really what you’re going to notice. Orion’s Belt consists of three conspicuous stars.

Orion’s Belt can be found in the eastern/southeastern sky. Grab a coat, it’s going to be cold outside, because Orion is most visible in late autumn and winter. Locating Orion is certainly worth the trouble. This constellation is a brilliant sight to behold.

Articles that I’d read instructed me to look to the southern sky to find Orion’s Belt. Well, Orion does wind up in the southern sky, later in the a.m. hours. But alas, I found Orion’s Belt in the eastern sky, just after dusk (I am located in the Northern Hemisphere).

The astronomy charts present the three stars as being very much slanted, but I personally thought that the three stars were more of a vertical fashion, or maybe slightly angled. That’s just my opinion. But, after observing the constellation for some time, I observed the diagonal slant as Orion circled through the sky in its southern circular pattern.

Once you spot Orion, look up higher in the sky. You’ll find a small cluster of blue stars. That cluster is called Pleaides, also referred to as the “Seven Sisters”. The Seven Sisters are hard to see with the naked eye, and even harder to count.

And that really bright star between Orion and Pleaides is called Aldebaran. Aldebaran is in the constellation known as Taurus. Aldebaran is one of the brightest stars in the night sky.

Ancient civilizations and all cultures have their own stories to tell about Orion. Orion’s current name originates from Greek mythology. It’s intriguing to note the significance of Orion, and its prominence regarded throughout the ages of time.

You’re having a little trouble spotting Orion? Hint: Look east and look low into the sky, just a little after dusk. Orion will present itself in the evening, very low on the horizon. Look for three dazzling stars that are perfectly placed. That’s Orion’s Belt, which is located at the center of the ancient constellation, Orion.

Orion will disappear in the summer, but it will return in the winter.