Orion’s Belt factors to Sirius
It’s one of many neatest methods in all of the heavens: Orion’s Belt factors to Sirius, the sky’s brightest star. On September mornings, you’ll discover each Orion the Hunter and the very shiny star Sirius within the jap a part of the sky earlier than daybreak. They’ll be shifting into the night sky because the months move. Determine them now, and luxuriate in them for months to come back.
Additionally, generally there are shiny planets within the east earlier than daybreak. And people planets would possibly outshine even Sirius. In actual fact, in September 2023, Venus is close to Sirius and positively outshines our brightest star. What’s extra, generally there are shiny planets within the night sky in northern winter, when Orion and Sirius shine brightly. And people planets, too, could be brighter than the sky’s brightest star. In these circumstances, how will you ensure the thing you’re taking a look at is Sirius? The constellation Orion is your ticket. Irrespective of the place you’re, it doesn’t matter what time of 12 months it’s, Orion’s Belt all the time factors to Sirius.
Orion returned to the morning sky in late July
Orion returned to the sky earlier than daybreak in late July and early August. In September, you may simply discover this massive constellation earlier than sunup. Simply look within the jap a part of the sky. You’ll simply discover Orion’s Belt, which consists of a brief, straight row of three medium-bright stars.
To search out Sirius, draw a line by Orion’s Belt and lengthen that line towards the horizon. There, you’ll spot Sirius, the sky’s brightest star.
Sirius is within the constellation Canis Major the Better Canine. It’s usually referred to as the Canine Star.
Backside line: In September 2023, you’ll discover the constellation Orion, whose three Belt stars make a brief, straight row, within the southeast earlier than daybreak. Orion’s Belt factors to Sirius, the brightest star of the nighttime sky.
Help support EarthSky! Check out the EarthSky store for fun astronomy gifts and tools for all ages!
