Today's Image

Orion and the Chinese New Year

Posted by
Deborah Byrd
and
February 10, 2016
The three Belt stars of Orion on February 7, 2016 via Jeff Dai and Jingyi Zhang. Visit Jeff Dai on Facebook.
The three Belt stars of Orion on February 7, 2016 captured by Jeff Dai. Visit Jeff Dai on Facebook.

Jeff Dai and Jingyi Zhang in Chongqing, China submitted this photo and drawing to EarthSky on February 7, 2016, the first day of the Chinese New Year celebration, which is going on this week across Asia. They focused on the three Belt stars in the constellation Orion. They are three medium-bright stars in a short, straight row at the mid-section of the Hunter. Jeff and Jingyi wrote:

As you know, the three lined-up prominent stars of Orion are easily recognized.

The Chinese regarded them as the three gods of fortune, prosperity and longevity. When the three stars shine highly at the southern sky after sunset, that means it’s time for the spring festival.

Here is the view tonight, Happy Chinese New Year!

Thank you, Jeff and Jingyi!

In Chinese tradition, the 3 belt stars of Orion represent 3 gods.
In Chinese tradition, the 3 belt stars of Orion represent 3 gods. Drawing by Jingyi Zhang.

Bottom line: A photo from China of the three Belt stars of Orion the Hunter and a short discussion of these stars in Chinese tradition … just in time for the Chinese New Year celebration going on this week across Asia.

Posted 
February 10, 2016
 in 
Today's Image

Deborah Byrd

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About the Author:
Deborah Byrd (asteroid 3505 Byrd) helps edit EarthSky.org and is a frequent host of EarthSky videos. Deborah created the EarthSky radio series in 1991 and founded EarthSky.org in 1994. Prior to that, she had worked for the University of Texas McDonald Observatory since 1976, and created and produced their Star Date radio series. She has won a galaxy of awards from the broadcasting and science communities, including having an asteroid named in her honor in 1990, a Public Service Award from the National Science Board in 2003, and the Education Prize from the American Astronomical Society in 2020. A science communicator and educator since 1976, Byrd believes in science as a force for good in the world and a vital tool for the 21st century. "Being an EarthSky editor is like hosting a big global party for cool nature-lovers," she says.

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