Stars No. 42-46202697
by John R. Sanford - © Corbis. All Rights Reserved. - © John R. Sanford/Science Photo Library/Corbis
True-colour optical photograph of the constellation of Orion
30 Apr 1990 --- True-colour optical photograph of the constellation of Orion, the Hunter, one of the most conspicuous constellations in the sky. A special filter has been used to enhance the brightest stars, giving them a misty, extended appearance. The constellation of Orion lies on the celestial equator and is visible from most parts of the world. The three stars forming Orion's Belt are seen at centre. The bright, pinkish-white star at upper left is Betelgeuse (Alpha Orionis), a red supergiant star. Below the Belt is Orion's Sword, with the distinctive, red Orion Nebula (M42) at its centre. The bright star below and to the right of the Sword is Rigel (Beta Orionis). --- Image by © John R. Sanford/Science Photo Library/Corbis
