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Orion (pronounced-‘Oh RYE un’) is one of the brightest and best-known constellations and the only one that can be seen from both hemispheres. The constellation of Orion is one of the most recognizable patterns of stars in the northern sky. Orion, the hunter, stands by the river Eridanus and is accompanied by his faithful dogs, Canis Major and Canis Minor. Together they hunt various celestial animals, including Lepus, the rabbit, and Taurus, the bull. The most recognizable feature of the Orion constellation is Orion’s belt. From the northern hemisphere, the three bright stars (Alnitak, Alnilam and Mintaka) in a straight line that form Orion's Belt, are easily visible on the southern horizon in winter evenings. The bright star that forms Orion's left shoulder is Betelgeuse, which is Arabic for "The Armpit of the Central One", demonstrating that Orion was recognized across many cultures. Hanging down from Orion's belt is his sword that is made up of three fainter stars. The central "star" of the sword is actually not a star at all, but the Great Orion Nebula, one of the regions most studied by astronomers in the whole sky. The Orion constellation includes two of the brightest stars in the universe – Rigel and Betelgeuse.
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‘Many
a night from yonder ivied casement, ere I went to rest, Tennyson
For more information on the constellation see: Different origins of the Orion constellation
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Orion has been an important influence throughout the ages, and is even believed to have been a major influence on the design of the great pyramids. The myths about Orion go as far back as the Hittites (now Turkey), who flourished from the Second Millenium BC to around 1200 BC. In Greek Mythology, Orion was the son of Poseidon and became an invincible warrior and hunter.Many other cultures included myths of Orion as a warrior and hero. Homer refers to him as ‘the tallest and most beautiful of men’. Even the Bible makes reference to this famous group. God is said to have asked if Job was able to "loose the bands of Orion" (Job 38.31). "We live in an age of instant communication and high technology that allows little time or credence for myth and parable. However the use of these ancient forms of communication speak loudly and have as much force today as when the universe was believed to be alive with many gods. In designing the Orion logo I have drawn together the elements of myth. The Orion constellation, the Earth and the Moon signify the smart ideas and targeted solutions offered by the Orion Consulting Network." John
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