The Great Hunter. Second only to the Big Dipper (Ursa Major), the constellation of Orion is one of the most recognizable patterns of stars in the northern sky. With the belt of 3 stars nearly aligned, and the bright stars Betelgeuse and Rigel at the top and bottom of the body, Orion is very easy to spot. Numerous deep sky objects can be found in Orion, including Barnards's Loop, the glorious Orion Nebula (M42), and the dark Horsehead Nebula. Orion, the hunter, stands above the river Eridanus and is accompanied by his faithful dogs, Canis Major and Canis Minor. Together they hunt various celestial animals, including Lepus, the rabbit, hiding below his feet, and Taurus the bull, seen charging at Orion, who holds his shield up to fend off the charge of the mighty beast.