The Red Giant

Despite (or perhaps because of) its peculiar appellation, Betelgeuse is among the best known stars. Its prominent position just on Orion’s shoulder doesn’t hurt, of course. Nor does its fortune in being one of the few bright stars visible in every country in both hemispheres. Hovering above Earth’s equator, its orange light rains down on people everywhere from November through April, when our planet whirls us around to face it.