Constellation · Ori
Orion
The Hunter
One of the easiest constellations to recognise: three belt stars between Betelgeuse and Rigel. The Orion Nebula (M42), a stellar nursery, hangs below the belt.
Magnitude 0.18
Highest in the sky at 9 pm local time (winter in the northern hemisphere)
Latitudes where every part of it rises above the horizon at some time of year
The whole sky covers about 41,253 square degrees
Stars brighter than about magnitude 6, the naked-eye limit under dark skies
Named stars in Orion
Brightest first. A lower magnitude means a brighter star.
- Rigel (Beta Orionis)mag 0.18
- Betelgeuse (Alpha Orionis)mag 0.45
- Bellatrix (Gamma Orionis)mag 1.64
- Alnilam (Epsilon Orionis)mag 1.69
- Alnitak (Zeta Orionis)mag 1.74
- Saiph (Kappa Orionis)mag 2.07
Can you see Orion from where you live?
This depends only on your latitude. Pick the row nearest to you; for your exact sky tonight, use the sky map.
| Latitude | Orion |
|---|---|
| 60°N | The whole constellation rises and sets |
| 40°N | The whole constellation rises and sets |
| 20°N | The whole constellation rises and sets |
| the equator | The whole constellation rises and sets |
| 20°S | The whole constellation rises and sets |
| 40°S | The whole constellation rises and sets |
| 60°S | The whole constellation rises and sets |
Questions about Orion
When is Orion best seen?
Orion stands highest in the sky at 9 pm local time in January. That makes winter evenings the best time for observers in the northern hemisphere; in the southern hemisphere the season is reversed.
What is the brightest star in Orion?
The brightest star in Orion is Rigel (Beta Orionis), magnitude 0.18.
Where on Earth can you see Orion?
The whole of Orion can be seen from latitudes between about 67°S and 79°N. From 40°N: The whole constellation rises and sets. From 35°S: The whole constellation rises and sets.
What does Orion mean?
Orion is Latin for "the Hunter". One of Ptolemy's 48 ancient constellations (2nd century).