February Night Sky

On the subject of dogs today if we have clear night skies this evening there is this.

click on image for a closer look

The constellation Orion (the hunter) is a prominent, easily-identifiable object in the southern night sky.

If conditions warrant take the opportunity to venture out most anytime this entire month and locate this constellation.  His belt of three stars (Alnitak, Alnilam and Mintaka)have an unmistakable tilt upward and the bright stars representing his shoulder and knee - red-colored Betelgeuse and blue-white Rigel.  

If you draw an imaginary line down and slightly left from Orion's belt you will land on Sirius, the brightest star in the night sky, which locates the heart of Canis Major (the big dog).  Above Sirius and to the left you will locate Procyon in Canis Minor (the little dog).  As the story goes - Orion accompanies by his two canine companions - strides across the night sky from east to west.

Fingers-crossed for cold, clear viewing conditions.