Betelgeuse,alpha Orionis, is Orion's right shoulder. Unlike most stars designated "alpha," it is not the brightest in its constellation - that distinction belongs to Rigel, beta Orionis (his left foot). Both are among the dozen brightest stars in our sky. Rigel burns with the fierce, blue-white heat of a young star; but Betelgeuse is an aging ogre: an ancient supermassive red giant, larger in diameter than the orbit of Jupiter around our sun; most likely nearing the end of its fuel and its life. Like the tortoise saving his strength, Betelgeuse hoards his heat, burning at a mere 3,000 degrees, almost frigid for a star, let alone one of the 20 brightest stars we can see.

The constellation Orion, the Hunter, is a mainstay of wintertime sky-watchers. Because its stars are so prominent and easily-spotted, it is a keystone for finding other constellations and stars. Many other cultures also have their own unique lore about this "asterism" (any visible group of stars, whether related astonomically or not). Orion's formidable sword is home to the famous Orion Nebula (M42) and stunning Horsehead nebula, as well as a host of lesser-known but equally amazing features. Many of these are displayed in the Orion Gallery, and you can check the Constellation Gallery for reference.