Orion, the Hunter

Because of its many bright stars which form a distinctive pattern, Orion (oh-RYE-un) is one of the most recognizable constellations, resembling the letter "H" (FCPS Starfinder, No. 1, Southern Sky).

The three stars of Orion's belt form a straight line which can be used to locate other prominent Winter stars and constellations: slide to the right to find Aldebaran (Letter "H"), the eye of Taurus, the Bull (No. 4); slide to the left to find Sirius (Letter "A"), the brightest star in the night sky and the nose of Canis Major, the Big Dog (No. 2).

Beneath the belt of Orion is Messier Object M42, the Great Orion Nebula. Located approximately 1,800 light years from Earth, this diffuse nebula appears to the unaided eye as a faint, fuzzy patch of light (best seen by looking out of the corner of the eye).

For more information, read the following StarDate transcripts: Orion Returns, 10 NOV 1996; Orion's Belt, 26 JAN 1997; and Orion's Other Stars, 16 JAN 1997. (StarDate is the daily astronomy-related radio program produced by the McDonald Observatory, University of Texas.)

Associated Mythology - According to Greek mythology, Orion the Hunter claimed superiority over every creature on Earth. The gods punished his conceit by sending Scorpius the Scorpion to attack Orion, which caused his death. At Diana's request, Orion was placed in the sky to honor him. He was placed at the opposite side of the sky so he would never meet the Scorpion again.

Taurus, the Bull

Taurus (TAW-russ) is the second constellation of the Zodiac for birthdates from 20 April to 20 May. The face of Taurus forms a "V" shape (FCPS Starfinder, No. 4, Southern Sky), formed from a star cluster known as the Hyades (High-a-deez). For more information about Taurus, the Bull, read the transcript of Moon in Taurus, the 30 SEP 1996 StarDate program (ignore the out-dated references to the Moon).

The Pleiades or Seven Sisters (refer to December CoM) is a well-known star cluster located within the borders of Taurus. Also located in Taurus is Messier Object M1, the Crab Nebula. A remnant of a brilliant supernova, the light of the explosion was first observed in China on 4 July 1054 A.D. For more than 20 days, it was visible in daylight, and visible at night for more than a year. Today, a small telescope is needed to observe the Crab nebula; a large telescope is required to see detail. For more information, read the transcript of Crab Nebula, the 10 January 1996 StarDate program.

Associated Mythology - According to Greek mythology, Zeus (Jupiter) disguised himself as a white bull that carried away Europa, the beautiful daughter of the King of Phoenicia. Europa was intrigued by the beautiful animal and eventually sat on its back. The bull immediately ran away to Crete where Zeus revealed his true identity and won Europa for his bride.

Credits: CoM entries excerpted from Your Guide to the Constellations, by Lowell L. Koontz, former Planetarium Teacher at Edison High School, Fairfax County Public Schools.

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