Orion << aw RY uhn or oh RY uhn >> the Hunter is a brilliant constellation that includes two of the brightest stars in the sky. Orion is often pictured with his back turned toward us. In this view, the bright red star, Betelgeuse, marks his left shoulder. A blue-white star called Rigel marks his right foot. Two fainter stars, Bellatrix and Saiph, mark Orion’s right shoulder and left foot. Orion is easily identified by a row of three stars forming his belt. A sword, made of faint stars, dangles from the belt.
Two nebulae (clouds of gas and dust) are located in Orion. The Orion Nebula, once called the Great Nebula in Orion, lies in the middle of his sword. This nebula is visible as a misty spot under a dark sky. The Horsehead Nebula in Orion’s belt is very difficult to see.
