Orion Constellation | Constellations In The Northern Hemisphere
ORION CONSTELLATION – In this topic, we are going to know and learn about the constellation Orion, the Hunter.
It is a northern constellation which lies on the celestial equator. It is also known as the Hunter, in reference to the mythical hunter In Greek mythology.
It houses two of the ten brightest stars namely: Rigel and Betelgeuse. It also contains the Orion Nebula, Mairan’s Nebula and the Horsehead Nebula, among others.
Orion is also well-known for its Orion’s Belt which is one of the most prominent asterisms in the night sky, according to a Constellation Guides.
It is the 26th constellation in size and occupies an area of 594 square degrees. It can be found in NQ1, the first quadrant in the northern hemisphere.
Orion belongs to the Orion family, along with Canis Major, Canis Minor, Lepus and Monoceros.
In Greek Mythology, Orion was considered the most handsome of men. He was the son of Poseidon and Euryale, the daughter of King Minos of Crete. He was konwn to be exceptionally tall and armed with an unbreakable bronze club.
Stars
The constellation contains ten named stars, namely:
- Alnilam
- Alnitak
- Bellatrix
- Betelgeuse
- Hatysa
- Meissa
- Mintaka
- Rigel
- Saiph
- Tabit
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