Swinging downward, we find Gemini, the Twins.The star Elnath is shared between Auriga and Taurus, making it one of the few stars that belongs to two constellations. Off to the left is the five-sided figure of Auriga, the Charioteer. If you do, you have “the eyes of a warrior,” as ancient lore decreed. However, if your eyesight is especially acute and the sky is wonderfully clear, you may see seven or even more. Most people with good vision can spot five stars when they gaze at the Pleiades. This cluster is so distinctive and its location so prominent that dozens of ancient cultures found a place in their mythologies for the Pleiades. Above the Hyades are the Pleiades, the Seven Sisters, which are among the most famous of star clusters.This is one of countless examples where celestial objects appear near one another from our point of view, but vast differences in distance mean that they are actually far apart. It is much closer to us than the Hyades (one reason that it appears brighter) and just happens to lie along the same line of sight. The members of the Hyades lie fairly close together in space, but despite its apparent proximity, Aldebaran is not a part of the cluster. Nearby lies a group of stars that make up the Hyades star cluster.Above Orion stands Taurus, the Bull, his long horns jutting to the left and one baleful eye represented by the reddish star Aldebaran.Saiph, at his right knee, would be a noteworthy star in any other celestial neighborhood, but it doesn’t even crack the Top 5 in mighty Orion. Somewhat less luminous are Bellatrix at the Hunter’s left shoulder and Mintaka, Alnilam, and Alnitak, which comprise Orion’s Belt. Star colors are notoriously difficult to discern, but on a clear night, the differing hues of Betelgeuse and Rigel are plain to see at Orion’s right shoulder and left knee, respectively. It’s home to a pair of the sky’s Top 10 brightest stars, ruddy Betelgeuse and blue-white Rigel. Orion, the Hunter, is not the largest constellation, but it is unquestionably the brightest.January’s combination of crisp, clear winter nights and a southeastern sky filled with celestial wonders makes it well worth bundling up and scanning the heavens! We’ll help you navigate the night sky’s brightest stars and constellations: Advertisement Just click here or on the image below to open a printable map-then bring outside!
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