Celestial Chronicles: Orion’s Majestic Dance – January 19-25

BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Brad Klein discusses forthcoming celestial events with Bethlehem’s “Backyard Astronomy Guy,” Marty McGuire.

This week: An exploration of the most notable constellation in the winter sky, Orion the Hunter.

“I eagerly anticipate spotting this one every winter,” McGuire mentioned.

And I share that sentiment.

It’s prominent in the southern sky during winter nights in the Lehigh Valley.

Unlike many constellations, it’s quite straightforward to visualize a human figure simply by observing the three luminous stars that define Orion’s belt along with the four bright stars that represent its shoulders and knees.

Situated below and to the left of Orion is the most luminous star in the night sky, Sirius, known as the dog star. It belongs to its own constellation, Canis Major.

You can envision Orion as a hunter, accompanied by his loyal hound. However, as I take my own dog for walks on the winter evenings, I prefer to envision Orion the Dogwalker, out with man’s best companion.