Q 01/05

How many modern constellations does the IAU recognise, with Orion among them?

A) 90

B) 100

C) 96

D) 88

Answer · why

D) 88

Orion was also one of the 48 constellations listed by Ptolemy in the 2nd century.

Q 02/05

During which season is Orion most prominent in Northern Hemisphere evening skies?

A) Spring

B) Autumn

C) Summer

D) Winter

Answer · why

D) Winter

From May to July it is in the daytime sky and invisible at most latitudes.

Q 03/05

Which 2nd-century astronomer included Orion among his 48 constellations?

A) Eratosthenes

B) Aristarchus

C) Ptolemy

D) Hipparchus

Answer · why

C) Ptolemy

It is now one of the 88 modern constellations, abbreviated Ori.

Q 04/05

Which red supergiant marks Orion's right shoulder?

A) Bellatrix

B) Rigel

C) Saiph

D) Betelgeuse

Answer · why

D) Betelgeuse

Its expected supernova, within about 100,000 years, could outshine the Moon and be visible by day.

Q 05/05

Which blue supergiant is Orion's brightest star and marks the hunter's left foot?

A) Rigel

B) Alnilam

C) Meissa

D) Betelgeuse

Answer · why

A) Rigel

Beta Orionis is the seventh-brightest star in the night sky and part of the Winter Circle.