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Orion

Messier Objects

M42 is the celebrated Orion Nebula, a spectacular nebula lit by the stars of the Trapezium, a stellar nursary. M43 is an extension of this nebula to the north. M78 is another nebula, requiring optical aid in order to observe it.

Other Deep Sky Objects

IC 434 is another nebula that lies just off the "belt" of Orion and contains the famous Horsehead Nebula. The outline of a horse's head can be seen only in long exposure photographs, however. NGC 1977 is part of the Orion Nebula complex. NGC 1981 is an open cluster visible through binoculars.

Stars With (Un)Common Names

alpha

Betelgeuse is a first magnitude star and the first star whose diameter was measured with an interferometer (1920).

beta

Rigel is another first magnitude star.

gamma

Bellatrix

delta

Mintaka is the westernmost star in the belt.

epsilon

Alnilam is the central star in the belt.

zeta

Alnitak is the easternmost star in the belt.

kappa

Saiph

lambda

Meissa

Meteor Shower Radiants

About half of the fast, sometimes bright Orionids leave trains. Like the Eta Aquarids in the constellation Aquarius, this shower is associated with comet 1P/Halley. The radiant is near the club of Orion so it is visible to observers in both hemispheres.

Sky Charts

• 0100 Hours Sidereal Time (45° North)
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• 1300 Hours Sidereal Time (45° North)
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• 2300 Hours Sidereal Time (45° North)

• 0100 Hours Sidereal Time (30° South)
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• 1100 Hours Sidereal Time (30° South)

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Last modified on 1 January 2007