The Night Sky

The Orion Nebula Star Cluster

Camp Fire Stories: Orion the Hunter

Set up the storyline with the finding of the constellation. Then slowly bring in Taurus the Bull along with the Pleiades Sisters. Don’t forget the dogs. Canis Major and Canis Minor.

The Orion star cluster is one of the most visible constellations in the world.
In Greek mythology, Orion was the hunter, the archer. His belt and bow sit just below his waist, filled with charging light. Seven stars shine the brightest giving an hourglass shape pattern making it easy to locate Orion’s Nebula. Betelgeuse, Rigel, Bellatrix, and Saiph form the rectangular shape with the center showcasing the Orion Nebula.

The Orion  Nebula looks like a hazy mark when looking at it with the naked eye, but with binoculars or, better yet, a telescope, this intergalactic nebula filled with gas and dust is out of this world.

Orion’s star cluster is excellent for locating other night sky extravaganzas, so use it as a marker for other star gazing delights.

Get into the campground with a good story. History is waiting.