Many years ago a bunch of us would accompany a group of astronomy enthusiasts as they made their way to an open field in Vangani, about an hour and half away from Mumbai. The program would be organised by Khagol Mandal who would bring us amateurs together. Lying on the cold ground, their experts would take us through the starlit skies. Out of the many wonderful things that they showed us, I hardly remember anything. Except for Orion, the hunter and his faithful dog – Sirius, the brightest start in the night sky.
This beautiful constellation which is visible in the night sky is one of the most easily identifiable ones among all the constellations. Harry Potter fans may have already made the connection of why Sirius Black transforms into a dog and not any other animal. The clever hat tip to Greek Mythology is simply marvellous. But it’s just not Sirius, even Bellatrix is part of the Orion constellation. And if you look closely at any Sky Map, you will see almost all members of the Black family twinkling overhead.
Stars and constellations are often good markers when you are lost. They have helped the human race to navigate oceans, deserts and forests, even cities when the GPS breaks down. Orion to me has been my guiding constellation. The bright Betelgeuse on the right shoulder or Bellatrix on the left. The mysterious belt and of course, the brightest Sirius – have always guided me. In times of hope or despair, whenever, I have looked up at the skies, I have been comforted by their silent presence. Like finding a familiar face in a strange crowd.
It is also easy to distinguish and the belt of Orion helps to trace and locate other stars. A starry night in Bombay is difficult to witness but Orion somehow shines through. Each time I have gone out to a place with lesser light pollution, I have always sought out Orion and then made my way across the sky. Development brings light pollution, infact illumination is a sign of economic activity. That’s when even when you stare down from the aircraft, you see pockets of light everywhere beneath. Though that doesn’t bother me. For, Orion remains visible, even in the smog filled skies of this city. And that’s all I need to find my way my home.