This week, we have a guest astrophotographer from Southern Utah, David Rankin, with a special interest in exploring the night sky via long-exposure digital photography …
The camera is able to capture space in a way that our eyes can not. Let’s explore what objects lie just beyond the reach of the naked eye during any given season.
As the colder months rush in, the constellation Orion starts to work its way up high into the southern sky. The giant hunter in Greek mythology makes his debut every fall appearing earlier and earlier as we grind further into the winter season. Orion is one of those easy, you-don’t-need-a-degree-in-astrophysics-to-spot constellations. Every star shines bright, clearly outlining the familiar shape that the Greeks were quick to mythologize those many years ago. You can clearly make it out in the photograph below.
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Orion and a Geminid Meteor
Credit: astrophotographer David Rankin
Technical mumbo jumbo: Shot with a Canon Rebel XSi, 18–55mm lens; single 61-second exposure, ISO 1600
When you see Orion high in the sky, there are a few things you know. You know that it is cold, as if that weren’t obvious enough. The arrival of Orion brings to mind family gatherings, crappy winter driving, good food, good drink, snow, failed resolutions, and many more things. What does the annual return of this constellation symbolize for you?
Orion is an astronomical hodgepodge of bright stars, nebulae, and amazing stories. Let’s dismantle this mysterious constellation, exploring each part like a mad scientist suffering from an acute sense of humor and the ability to interpret space in a fun way. Stay tuned for some breathtaking photographs and great stories from deep within the universe.
What’s next?
Episode 2 explore a hidden marvel made from interstellar dust and bent light.
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Mr. Rankin: Thanks for the great post! Orion is so special to me--it was the first constellation that I recognized after agonizing over star charts as a young boy. On the charts I recongnized the three stars of the belt, Mintaka, etc, and went outside and found the belt. From there I learned all the constellations and Orion opened up the universe for me. Orion is like a special friend to me and I look forward to seeing him each fall. I look forward to reading and seeing more of your posts and pics.
That is a great story Dr. Lee Wallace. It's these sort of connections that foster a wider perspective on the world, and a more healthy one in my opinion. Thanks for sharing it!
This is so great! Here in Shoreline, WA there are Star Gazing Parties once a month at two local parks. I have been so impressed with the quality of the telescopes as well as the overall knowledge and of the local professional and amateur astronomers. This is the perfect compliment to this growing interest in learning about stars and space in general. Thank you for this very informative post and blog.
Thanks! Star parties are the best aren't they? So many knowledgeable people with so many awesome telescopes. It's one of the best ways to learn and to enter the hobby.
I wonder why Orion is the Hunter. I can see it, but it could be anything. Is it the Hunter because it appears at hunting season?
He gets the hunter label from Greek Mythology. See more here: http://www.theoi.com/Gigante/GiganteOrion.html
Cheers!
Oh boy oh boy!!!!! Thank you. Great blog!
Thanks!
Thanks you've helped me see into the night sky.
You're welcome!
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