Published: April 9, 2020

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Photograph of Orion, Taurus and the PleiadesIt’s that time of year when we have to say goodbye to the winter constellations of Orion and Taurus. Get outside after sunset and look due west. Spot the beautiful orange star Aldebaran and the Hyades open cluster in Taurus. (Binoculars will give you the best view.) Move your gaze to the left, can you see Orion’s belt? Slightly under the belt you should be able to spot the three stars that make up Orion’s dagger. Look at the middle star with binoculars to find a star factory. You’ve spotted the mesmerizing Orion Nebula (M42)! Sirius, the brightest star you can see from Earth, will still be visible for a few more weeks. Stay tuned next week for lions and tigers and bears, oh my!