About the Christmas constellation
Often nicknamed the “Christmas Constellation,” Orion is one of the most striking star patterns lighting up the Northern Hemisphere’s winter skies, particularly around December. Recognized by its three bright, aligned stars forming “Orion’s Belt,” this constellation also features the red supergiant Betelgeuse at its shoulder and the blue-white star Rigel at its foot. In the Northern Hemisphere, Orion becomes visible in the east after dusk in late autumn and dominates the southern sky through winter, making it a festive favorite for holiday stargazing. Meanwhile, those in the Southern Hemisphere can catch Orion high in their summer sky, albeit upside down compared to Northern viewers.