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Alignment of Stars in Orion’s Belt and Observer Perspective

-- Brenda | April 14, 2020

Question:

I live in northern Alberta, Canada. I have looked at Orions belt many times over the years and have always recognized it as three stars in a line slightly off vertical. This year I am noticing the three stars are almost horizontal. Can you please tell me if this is something that has been occurring over the years and I have just not noticed, or if this is something new.

Thank you for your time and I look forward to your response.

-- Brenda

Answer:

I believe that what you are seeing is the difference between observing the stars in Orion’s belt when this constellation is rising and when it is setting. For example, in January from northern Canada the stars that comprise Orion’s belt are roughly vertical when Orion is rising in the east, but largely horizontal when Orion is setting in the west.

-- Jeff Mangum

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