The Way to Orion

A freezing cold January night but the first clear skies in weeks and a new moon meant a trip out to see some stars. I love this location in the South Downs with its view of the meandering Cuckmere River, usually in summer when the milky way rises down the valley. But on this occation it was Orion and the bright star Sirius rising over the valley.

I love how the river is mirrored by Barnard's Loop, a huge emission nebula which surrounds the stars of Orions belt, at least from our galactic perspective.