It has three companions, also difficult to see. β Ori ( Rigel), at the constellation's left knee, is a large blue-white star, among the brightest in the sky.κ Ori (Saiph) is at Orion's right knee.η Ori (Eta Orionis), between Delta Orionis and Rigel.ζ Ori (Alnitak), ε Ori (Alnilam) and δ Ori (Mintaka) make up the asterism known as Orion's Belt: three bright stars in a row even from these alone one can recognize Orion.γ Ori (Bellatrix), 'warrior woman', is at Orion's left shoulder.Betelgeuse is actually a sextuple star (other studies say it has only two companions, and the existence of any companion at all is disputed), but its companions are too small to be easily seen. Although it is the α-star, it is somewhat fainter than Rigel. α Ori ( Betelgeuse), at its right shoulder, is a red star with a diameter possibly larger than the orbit of Mars.The constellation is extremely rich in bright stars and in deep-sky objects. Historically it has had other names, perhaps the earliest known is the Babylonian 'Shepherd of Anu ', corresponding to an apparent representation of the constellation Auriga or an element of it, as a shepherd's crook. The constellation is also known as an 'Amber' in other commonwealth countries such as the United Kingdom. Orion's Belt is called 'The Three Kings' (or ' The Magi') in some places. In Australia, the belt and sword of Orion are sometimes called the Saucepan, because the stars of Orion's belt and sword resemble this kitchen utensil as seen from the southern hemisphere. There are other contemporary names for Orion. Other prey of his, such as Lepus the hare, can be found nearby. In the northern hemisphere Orion is visible in the evening from November to AprilĪccording to the most common contemporary imagery: Orion is standing next to the river Eridanus with his two hunting dogs Canis Major and Canis Minor, fighting Taurus the bull. Its brilliant stars are found on the celestial equator and are visible throughout the world, making this constellation universally recognized. Orion ( IPA: /ə(ʊ)ˈrʌɪən/), a constellation often referred to as The Hunter, is a prominent constellation, perhaps the best-known and most conspicuous in the sky.

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