Norges Bank

On the constellation Orion

The text is based on a natural sciences website for teachers (in Norwegian only) and information from the Institute of Theoretical Astrophysics at the University of Oslo.

The constellation Orion is outlined in white on the back side of the 100-krone banknote. Orion is the brightest constellation and can be seen from both the northern and southern hemispheres. In ancient Greek mythology, Orion was a son of the sea god Poseidon.

Viewed from Norway, Orion would have a different orientation from the constellation shown on the banknote. Here Orion is illustrated as it would appear to someone at around 10 degrees north of the equator.

Published 8 August 2017 12:42