It Started With Orion

Thanksgiving week holds a special place in my heart from the astronomical standpoint. It was in November 1980 that I first paid attention to the constellation Orion.

Since the fourth grade, I was familiar with only the three stars of the belt and their obvious straight-line formation. I had never paid attention to the rest of the constellation until one night driving home.

Beginning in January 1980, I had access to a small dime store telescope. One day I found the Abrams Planetarium Star Chart for January. I followed the instructions on how to use the chart and went outside to look. I found everything on the map, and became hooked on astronomy.

Orion in January is high in the south. I watched over several hours as the Great

Hunter Orion set in the west. Over the next ten months, I studied star charts and became familiar with all the interesting features. I then knew where Betelgeuse, Rigel, M-42, and the Horsehead Nebula were located.

While heading east toward Catawba one evening in late November around 9 pm, Orion suddenly came into view low on the eastern horizon. I pulled off the road and observed with my eyes for a half hour.

This week you can see the same view that started my astronomical journey. Find a clear view to the east and observe around 9 p.m. The three stars in the belt of Orion stand in a vertical line near the horizon.

To the left of the belt stars is the bright star Betelgeuse (beetle juice, like the movie). Notice the distinct reddish coloration. Betelgeuse is a huge star but cooler than the Sun, therefore it appears red.

To the right of the belt stars is the bright blue-white star Rigel. Compare its color with Betelgeuse. Between the belt and Rigel look for a fuzzy patch with your naked eyes. This is the Great Orion Nebula M-42 where new stars and planets are forming.

Explore all of Orion with binoculars especially the nebula. Maybe the astronomy bug will bite you also! Clear Skies!

Visit www.catawbasky.org for more information.