Orion (constellation)

Orion

Constellation
List of stars in Orion
Abbreviation	Ori
Genitive	Orionis
Pronunciation	/ɒˈraɪ.ən/
Symbolism	Orion, the Hunter
Right ascension	5h
Declination	+5°
Quadrant	NQ1
Area	594 sq. deg. (26th)
Main stars	7
Bayer/Flamsteed stars	81
Stars with planets	10
Stars brighter than 3.00m	8
Stars within 10.00 pc (32.62 ly)	8
Brightest star	Rigel (β Ori) (0.12m)
Messier objects	3
Meteor showers	Orionids Chi Orionids
Bordering constellations	Gemini Taurus Eridanus Lepus Monoceros
Visible at latitudes between +85° and −75°. Best visible at 21:00 (9 p.m.) during the month of January.

Orion is a constellation which is visible from most parts of the world. As well as being one of the 88 modern constellations, it was one of the 48 constellations listed by the 2nd-century astronomer Ptolemy. It is named for a hunter in Greek mythology.

In the Northern Hemisphere, Orion is most prominent during winter evenings, as are five other constellations that have stars in the Winter Hexagon asterism. Orion's two brightest stars, Rigel (β) and Betelgeuse (α), are both among the brightest stars in the night sky; both are supergiants and slightly variable. There are a further six stars brighter than magnitude 3.0, including three making the short straight line of the Orion's Belt asterism. Orion also hosts the radiant of the annual Orionids, the strongest meteor shower associated with Halley's Comet, and the Orion Nebula, one of the brightest nebulae in the sky.