Orion
Where is Orion?
Look south, about 42° up at 05:17. It rises at 23:18 and climbs through the night.
- Rises
- 23:18
- Highest
- 05:39
- Sets
- 12:04
- Best after dark
- 05:17 · 42°
How to find Orion
Start with Rigel, Orion’s brightest star (mag 0.1). Nearby constellations include Monoceros, Taurus and Eridanus.
Its center is at right ascension 5h 37m, declination +4°. Use the chart above: north is up and east is to the left, as when you face south from the Northern Hemisphere.
Best time to see Orion
Orion is highest in the evening sky, around 10 pm, in January. A month or two either side it is still well placed, earlier or later in the night. All of it rises above the horizon from latitudes of about 75° N to 68° S.
From London tonight, Orion is above the horizon after dark. It’s highest just before dawn, around 05:17, in the south at 42°.
This is position and timing only: clouds, haze and light pollution aren’t included.
Seeing Orion
Eyes
Its brightest star, Rigel, is easy to see. Tracing the whole pattern is easier away from bright lights.
Binoculars
Binoculars show many more stars than your eye, and bring out star clusters and brighter nebulae inside it.
Telescope
The constellation is far too large for a telescope’s view. Use one for the clusters, nebulae and galaxies inside it.
About
Orion (genitive Orionis, abbreviated Ori) is one of the 88 constellations recognized by the International Astronomical Union, which together cover the whole sky. Its brightest star is Rigel, magnitude 0.1.
SkyMate’s web catalog includes 8 named stars and 3 deep-sky objects in Orion.
Brightest stars and objects in Orion
Questions
What is the brightest star in Orion?
When is Orion visible?
Can I see Orion from where I live?
Sources: IAU; Wikidata (CC0); SkyMate. Positions computed for your place and time with astronomy-engine. Data & Licences