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HOW TO FIND ORION

 

 

Around October 21 each year the famous Orionid meteor shower reaches its peak. As many as twenty meteors per hour can be seen. More information about this meteor shower and the Chi Orionids, which are active around the beginning of December can be found in the meteor shower calendar by Gary Kronk.

 

 

But also.......Orion is visible in the evening from November to April.

 

 

The three stars that make up Orion's belt line up on a slant in a unique way. There is no other constellation that looks like this. Once you spot it once you will probably always be able to recognize Orion. No other stars look quite like him!

 

 

Face southeast after dark to see Orion above the horizon. If you look for "the hunter" later in the evening than seven or so, he will be higher in the sky and more southwards than southeast. Since Orion is a winter constellation, you will be able to see him frequently during that season. Through the next few months, he will make his way to the south and then on westward until he disappears below the western horizon. By the end of February, you will have to look to the south to find him at 7:00 PM. January and February are the best months to observe Orion since the days grow longer in March and it is impossible to see him that early.

 

 

 

 



Here is a little trail map to guide you to your first Orion spotting...first look toward the north if you're in the southern hemisphere.

 

 

Second...find his belt, which will be three stars in a straight line.

 

 

Third, look for Orion's knee to the lower right. His knee is the star, Rigel.

 

 

Fourth, find the red star, Betelgeuse, at the left of his belt.

 

 

And there is Orion!!!!!!