How can I find Orion?

One of the most recognizable constellations in the winter and spring sky is Orion, the great hunter. He is visible in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, although he seems to be standing on his head if you are looking at him from "down under."

The easiest way to find Orion is to go outside in the evening and look in the southwest sky if you are in the northern hemisphere or the northwestern sky if you are in the southern hemisphere. If you live on or near the equator, he will be visible in the western sky. You are looking for three bright stars close together in an almost-straight line. These three stars represent Orion's belt. The two bright stars to the north are his shoulders and the two to the south are his feet.

Click on your location below to view the Orion Finder Chart specific to your location. (Charts have been created for latitudes 40S, 20S, 0, 20N, 40N, 60N.) Each chart represents the sky looking toward Orion at approximately 8 pm in March, 2007. Once you have found Orion the first time, you will never have a problem finding him again! Practice online.

Source: Dennis L. Ward © Copyright 2007 University Corporation for Atmospheric Research