  The Orion star formation complex is the nearest region of on-going star
formation that continues to produce both low and high mass stars. Orion is
discussed in the larger context of star formation in the Solar vicinity over
the last 100 Myr. The Orion complex is located on the far side of the Gould's
Belt system of clouds and young stars throughwhich our Solar systemis drifting.
A review is given of the overall structure and properties of the Orion star
forming complex, the best studied OB association. Over the last 12 Myr, Orion
has given birth to at least ten thousand stars contained in a half dozen
sub-groups and short-lived clusters. The Orion OB association has been the
source of several massive, high-velocity run-away stars, including mu-Columbae
and AE Aurigae. Some of Orion's most massive members died in supernova
explosions that created the 300 pc diameter Orion / Eridanus super-bubble whose
near wall may be as close as 180 pc. The combined effects of UV radiation,
stellar winds, and supernovae have impacted surviving molecular clouds in
Orion. The large Orion A, IC 2118 molecular clouds and dozens of smaller clouds
strewn throughout the interior of the superbubble have cometary shapes pointing
back towards the center of the Orion OB association. Most are forming stars in
the compressed layers facing the bubble interior.
