APOD 3.8

Around 1,500 light years away is the Great Orion Nebula. This picture is able to capture the entire span of this fascinating constellation. To the left of the center is the Horsehead nebula. The three stars in a diagonal row makeup Orions belt. Betelgeuse is located at the hunters right shoulder is is a gold looking star in the photo. Rigel is the bright blue star located at the foot. Interstellar gas and dust block the view of the unaided eye for most stars. A hydrogen alpha filter was used with broadband telescopic images. Orion is one of the most well known constellations and is also one of my favorites.