The 88 Modern Constellations

Published on November 20, 2023

Constellations are groups of stars that form a recognizable pattern in the night sky. The International Astronomical Union officially recognizes 88 constellations with defined borders encompassing the entire northern and southern hemispheres. 

The first evidence of human identification with constellations dates back to 3000 BC. It is thought that these star patterns would be used for navigation and many believed they were placed in the sky by gods as a way to communicate their will on earth.

The 88 constellations are not just shapes in the sky. They represent a variety of things from humans to animals and objects, which often became part of ancient myths about these civilisations’ gods or legends told across cultures all over our world

Nowadays, constellations are useful for people who stargaze or wish to do so because it allows them to find specific stars and the planets.

Andromeda

  • Name: Andromeda (And)
  • Meaning: “The loincloth”
  • Pronunciation: an-DROM-ih-duh
  • Shape: Humanoid
  • Hemisphere: Northern
  • Size: 722 square degrees of the sky.
  • Visibility: All year
  • Visible between latitudes: 90 and -40 degrees
  • Asterism: 6 stars
  • Part of the Perseus constellation family
andromeda constellation

Andromeda in mythology

Andromeda is a character associated with Greek mythology. The story of Andromeda varies between different sources, but it is typically some variation of her being chained naked to a rock because of her mother, Cassiopeia, who had boasted that she was more beautiful than the Nereids (sea nymphs)… It’s never a good idea to brag about being better than the gods.

Andromeda in the night sky

Andromeda, the 19th largest constellation in the sky, can be easily located at the following celestial coordinates: Right Ascension: 1 hour and 37 minutes and Declination: 41 degrees, within the celestial quadrant NQ1. To catch the best view of Andromeda, look towards the northern sky during the autumn season, specifically in the month of November.

Nearby asterisms: Lacerta, Cassiopeia, Perseus, Pegasus, and Triangulum.

Noteworthy celestial objects within this constellation

The constellation’s brightest stars are Alpha Andromedae (also known as Alpheratz) and Beta Andromedae (also known as Mirach). Notable deep-sky objects in Andromeda include the Andromeda Galaxy (also known as Messier 31), which is the closest galaxy to our Milky Way and can be seen with the naked eye under dark skies, as well as the Andromeda Galaxy’s satellite galaxies M32 and M110.

Aries - The Ram

  • Name: Aries (Ari)
  • Meaning: The ram
  • Pronunciation: EH-reez
  • Shape: Animal
  • Hemisphere: Northern
  • Size: 441 square degrees of the sky.
  • Visibility: Autumn
  • Visible between latitudes: 90 and -60 degrees
  • Asterism: 4 stars
  • Part of the Zodiac constellation family
aries constellation

Aries in mythology

Aries was a ram with a fleece of pure gold. Aries ended up playing a key role in saving the life of Phrixus, son of king Athamas. Consequently, Zeus decided to reward the golden ram with a constellation of his own and placed stars in the sky in the shape of the ram. Aries’s golden fleece made another appearance in the story of Jason and the Argonauts. Aries is one of the twelve constellations of the Zodiac.

Aries in the night sky

Aries, the 39th largest constellation in the sky, can be easily located at the following celestial coordinates: Right Ascension: 3 hours and 30 minutes and Declination: 20 degrees, within the celestial quadrant NQ2. To catch the best view of Aries, look towards the eastern sky during the autumn season, specifically in the month of October.

Nearby asterisms: Taurus, Perseus, Pisces, and Triangulum.

Noteworthy celestial objects within this constellation

The brightest star in Aries is Hamal (also known as Alpha Arietis), which has a magnitude of 2.0. Other notable stars in Aries include Sheratan (Beta Arietis) and Mesarthim (Gamma Arietis). There are also several deep-sky objects located within Aries, including the NGC 1156, a dwarf irregular galaxy located about 17 million light-years away from Earth, and NGC 772, a barred spiral galaxy that is twice as big as the milky way.

Auriga - The Charioteer

  • Name: Auriga (Aur)
  • Meaning: The charioteer
  • Pronunciation: ah-RY-guh
  • Shape: Humanoid
  • Hemisphere: Northern
  • Size: 657 square degrees of the sky.
  • Visibility: Winter
  • Visible between latitudes: 90 and -40 degrees
  • Asterism: 6 stars
  • Part of the Perseus constellation family
auriga constellation

Auriga in mythology

In mythology, Auriga is most often associated with Erichthonius, king of Athens and son of the fire god Hephaestus. Erichthonius is thought to be the first king of Athens and is said to have built the first four-horse chariot with which he won a race at the Panathenaic Games. Zeus became so impressed by this achievement that he decided to turn him into the constellation Auriga when he passed away.

Auriga in the night sky

Auriga, the 21st largest constellation in the sky, can be easily located at the following celestial coordinates: Right Ascension: 6 hours and 10 minutes and Declination: 40 degrees, within the celestial quadrant NQ1. To catch the best view of Auriga, look towards the northern sky during the winter season, specifically in the month of February.

Nearby asterisms: Camelopardalis, Gemini, Taurus, Lynx, and Perseus.

Noteworthy celestial objects within this constellation

The brightest star in Auriga is Capella (also known as Alpha Aurigae), which has a magnitude of 0.08. Other notable stars in Auriga include Menkalinan (Beta Aurigae) and Mahasim (Theta Aurigae). 

Auriga also contains several deep-sky objects, including the Flaming Star Nebula (IC 405). Additionally, Auriga contains several open clusters, such as M36, M37, and M38, which are all visible through binoculars or small telescopes

Böötes - The Herdsman

  • Name: Böötes (Boo)
  • Meaning: The Herdsman
  • Pronunciation: boo-OH-teez
  • Shape: Humanoid
  • Hemisphere: Northern
  • Size: 907 square degrees of the sky.
  • Visibility: Spring
  • Visible between latitudes: 90 and -50 degrees
  • Asterism: 9 stars
  • Part of the Ursa Major constellation family
böötes constellation

Böötes in mythology

It is believed that Böötes is strongly related to Arcas, whose parents were none other than Zeus and Callisto. Because of Hera’s jealousy, Zeus turned Callisto into a bear. Later, Arcas met Callisto in the forest but he did not recognize his mother and started to chase her. In their pursuit, they ended up in a temple dedicated to Zeus, where the king of the gods transformed them both into constellations, Arcas became Böötes and Callisto became Ursa Major.

Böötes in the night sky

Böötes, the 13th largest constellation in the sky, can be easily located at the following celestial coordinates: Right Ascension: 15 hours and Declination: 30 degrees, within the celestial quadrant NQ3. To catch the best view of Böötes, look towards the northern sky during the spring season, specifically in the month of June.

Nearby asterisms: Canes Venatici, Coma Berenices, Serpens, Corona Borealis, Draco, Hercules, Virgo and Ursa Major.

Noteworthy celestial objects within this constellation

The brightest star in Böötes is Arcturus (also known as Alpha Bootis), which has a magnitude of -0.05 and is one of the brightest stars in the sky. Other notable stars in Böötes include Nekkar (Beta Bootis) and Muphrid (Eta Bootis). Böötes also contains several deep-sky objects, including the Böötes Void, a vast, largely empty region of space, Additionally, Böötes contains the Böötes Dwarf galaxy and NGC 5466, a globular star cluster located 51,800 light years away from us.

Camelopardalis - The Giraffe

  • Name: Camelopardalis (Cam)
  • Meaning: The giraffe
  • Pronunciation: ka-MEL-oh-POR-duh-lis
  • Shape: Animal
  • Hemisphere: Northern
  • Size: 757 square degrees of the sky.
  • Visibility: All year
  • Visible between latitudes: 90 and -10 degrees
  • Asterism: 4 stars
  • Part of the Ursa Major constellation family
camelopardalis constellation

Camelopardalis in mythology

Camelopardalis is not associated with any Greek mythology. This constellation was actually not recognized by ancient Greek astronomers at all because the asterism only contained rather faint stars. It was not until 1612 that this constellation was invented by the Dutch astronomer Petrus Plancius.

Camelopardalis in the night sky

Camelopardalis, the 18th largest constellation in the sky, can be easily located at the following celestial coordinates: Right Ascension: 5 hours and 30 minutes and Declination: 70 degrees, within the celestial quadrant NQ2. 

To catch the best view of Camelopardalis, look towards the northern sky during the winter season, specifically in the month of February.

Nearby asterisms: Auriga, Cassiopeia, Cepheus, Draco, Lynx, Perseus, Ursa Minor and Ursa Major.

Noteworthy celestial objects within this constellation

The brightest star in Camelopardalis is HR 1603, which has a magnitude of 4.03. Other notable stars include variable and double supergiant stars HR1035 and supergiant star alpha Camelopardalis.

Camelopardalis also contains several deep-sky objects, including NGC 1502, an open cluster that contains several bright, blue stars, and IC 342, “The hidden galaxy”, a spiral galaxy that is difficult to observe due to its proximity to the Milky Way.

Cancer - The Crab

  • Name: Cancer (Cnc)
  • Meaning: The crab
  • Pronunciation: KAN-ser
  • Shape: Animal
  • Hemisphere: Northern
  • Size: 506 square degrees of the sky.
  • Visibility: Winter & Spring
  • Visible between latitudes: 90 and -60 degrees
  • Asterism: 7 stars
  • Part of the Zodiac constellation family
cancer constellation

Cancer in mythology

Cancer is one of the twelve constellations of the zodiac. It is said that the crab depicted in this constellation was briefly involved in the story of Hercules and the 12 labors. In short, the crab tried to help the Hydra during his fight against Hercules but was easily killed by the strong man. As a reward for his bravery, Hera sent the crab into the heavens in the form of a constellation.

Cancer in the night sky

Cancer, the 31st largest constellation in the sky, can be easily located at the following celestial coordinates: Right Ascension: 8 hours and 45 minutes, and Declination: 20 degrees, within the celestial quadrant NQ2. To catch the best view of Cancer, look towards the southern sky during the spring season, specifically in the month of March.

Nearby asterisms: Canis Minor, Gemini, Hydra, Leo, Lynx, and Leo Minor.

Noteworthy celestial objects within this constellation

Cancer is one of the twelve constellations of the zodiac. It is said that the crab depicted in this constellation was briefly involved in the story of Hercules and the 12 labors. In short, the crab tried to help the Hydra during his fight against Hercules but was easily killed by the strong man. As a reward for his bravery, Hera sent the crab into the heavens in the form of a constellation.

Canes Venatici - The Hunting Dogs

  • Name: Canes Venatici (CVn)
  • Meaning: The hunting dogs
  • Pronunciation: KAY-neez vee-NAT-uh-sigh
  • Shape: Animal
  • Hemisphere: Northern
  • Size: 456 square degrees of the sky.
  • Visibility: Winter & Spring
  • Visible between latitudes: 90 and -40 degrees
  • Asterism: 2 stars
  • Part of the Ursa Major constellation family

Canes Venatici in mythology

There are no myths or legends associated with Canes Venatici as such. They simply represent Böötes’ hunting dogs: Asterion and Char. They are presumably helping the herdsman to track down the great bear (Ursa Major) which in reality is Böötes’ mother, Callisto. Talk about family drama… eh?

Canes Venatici in the night sky

Canes Venatici, the 38th largest constellation in the sky, can be easily located at the following celestial coordinates: Right Ascension: 13h and Declination: +40°, within the celestial quadrant NQ3. To catch the best view of Canes Venatici, look towards the southern sky during the spring season, specifically in the month of May.

Bordering constellations: Ursa Major, Coma Berenices, and Boötes.

Noteworthy celestial objects within this constellation

The constellation’s brightest stars are Cor Caroli (α Canum Venaticorum) and Chara (β Canum Venaticorum). Notable deep-sky objects in Canes Venatici include the Whirlpool Galaxy (M51), the Sunflower Galaxy (M63), and the intermediate spiral galaxy (M106).

Cassiopeia - The Queen

  • Name: Cassiopeia (Cas)
  • Meaning: Queen of Ethiopia
  • Pronunciation: KAS-ee-oh-PEE-yuh
  • Shape: Humanoid
  • Hemisphere: Northern
  • Size: 598 square degrees of the sky.
  • Visibility: Autumn
  • Visible between latitudes: 90 and -20 degrees
  • Asterism: 12 stars
  • Part of the Perseus constellation family
Cassiopeia constellation

Cassiopeia in mythology

Cassiopeia is a figure from Greek mythology. She was the wife of King Cepheus and mother to Princess Andromeda. Cassiopeia would boast that she and her daughter were more beautiful than any of the Nereids, which angered Poseidon’s wife Amphitrite. As a punishment, Poseidon sent the sea monster Cetus to terrorize their kingdom.

Cassiopeia in the night sky

Cassiopeia, the 25th largest constellation in the sky, can be easily located at the following celestial coordinates: Right Ascension: 1h and Declination: +60°, within the celestial quadrant NQ1. To catch the best view of Cassiopeia, look towards the northern sky during the fall season, specifically in the month of November.

Bordering constellations: Andromeda, Perseus, Camelopardalis, Cepheus, and Lacerta.

Noteworthy celestial objects within this constellation

The constellation’s brightest stars are Schedar (α Cassiopeiae), Caph (β Cassiopeiae), and Gamma Cassiopeiae. Notable deep-sky objects in Cassiopeia include the Heart Nebula (IC 1805), the Soul Nebula (IC 1848), and a Double Cluster (NGC 869 and NGC 884).

Cepheus - The King

  • Name: Cepheus (Cep)
  • Meaning: king of Aethiopia
  • Pronunciation: SEE-fee-us
  • Shape: Humanoid
  • Hemisphere: Northern
  • Size: 588 square degrees of the sky.
  • Visibility: Autumn
  • Visible between latitudes: 90 and -10 degrees
  • Asterism: 14 stars
  • Part of the Perseus constellation family
Cepheus constellation

Cepheus in mythology

Cepheus was the king of Aethiopia in Greek mythology. He was Cassiopeia’s husband and Andromeda’s father. Cepheus was often depicted as a vain ruler. The one notable myth that involved Cepheus was the story of his daughter Andromeda and her rescue from the sea monster (Cetus) by Perseus.

Cepheus in the night sky

Cepheus, the 27th largest constellation in the sky, can be easily located at the following celestial coordinates: Right Ascension: 22h and Declination: +70°, within the celestial quadrant NQ4. To catch the best view of Cepheus, look towards the northern sky during the fall season, specifically in the month of November.

Cepheus’ bordering constellations are Draco, Cygnus, Ursa Minor, Camelopardalis, Cassiopeia, and Lacerta.

Noteworthy deep-sky objects in Cepheus

The constellation’s brightest stars are Alderamin (α Cephei), Alfirk (β Cephei), and Gamma Cephei. Notable deep-sky objects in Cepheus include the Elephant’s Trunk Nebula (IC 1396), the Garnet Star (Mu Cephei), and the Fireworks Galaxy (NGC 6946).

Coma Berenices - Berenice's Hair

  • Name: Coma Berenices (Com)
  • Meaning: Berenice’s hair
  • Pronunciation: KOH-muh BER-uh-NY-seez
  • Shape: Object
  • Hemisphere: Northern
  • Size: 386 square degrees of the sky
  • Visibility: Spring
  • Visible between latitudes: 90 and -60 degrees
  • Asterism: 11 stars
  • Part of the Ursa Major constellation family

Coma Berenices in mythology

In Greek mythology, Queen Berenice of Egypt vowed to the gods that she would cut off her beautiful long hair as a sacrifice if her husband safely returned from the war. She kept her promise when the man came back, and Zeus placed her golden hair in the heavens.

Coma Berenices in the night sky

Coma Berenices, the 42nd largest constellation in the sky, can be easily located at the following celestial coordinates: Right Ascension: 12h 30m and Declination: +21°, within the celestial quadrant NQ3. To catch the best view of Coma Berenices, look towards the northern sky during the spring season, specifically in the month of May.

Coma Berenices’ bordering constellations are Boötes, Canes Venatici, Ursa Major, Leo, and Virgo.

Noteworthy deep-sky object in Coma Berenices

The constellation’s brightest stars are Alpha Comae Berenices, Beta Comae Berenices, and Gamma Comae Berenices. Notable deep-sky objects in Coma Berenices include the Coma Star Cluster (Melotte 111), the Coma Galaxy Cluster (Abell 1656), and the Black Eye Galaxy (M64).

Cygnus - The Swan

  • Name: Cygnus (Cyg)
  • Meaning: The swan
  • Pronunciation: SIG-nus
  • Shape: Animal
  • Hemisphere: Northern
  • Size: 804 square degrees of the sky
  • Visibility: Summer & Autumn
  • Visible between latitudes: 90 and -40 degrees
  • Asterism: 20 stars
  • Part of the Hercules constellation family

Cygnus in mythology

In Greek mythology, The swan was associated with the Greek god Zeus, who took the form of a swan to seduce the beautiful Queen Leda. From their union, two children were born: Helen & Pollux.

Cygnus in the night sky

Cygnus, the 16th largest constellation in the sky, can be easily located at the following celestial coordinates: Right Ascension: 20h and Declination: +45°, within the celestial quadrant NQ4. To catch the best view of Cygnus, look towards the northern sky during the summer season, specifically in the month of September.

Cygnus’ bordering constellationsare Cepheus, Draco, Lyra, Vulpecula, Pegasus, and Lacerta.

Noteworthy deep-sky objects in Cygnus

The constellation’s brightest stars are Deneb (α Cygni), Sadr (γ Cygni), and Albireo (β Cygni). Notable deep-sky objects in Cygnus include the North America Nebula (NGC 7000), the Veil Nebula (NGC 6960, NGC 6992, NGC 6995), and the Crescent Nebula (NGC 6888).

Delphinus - The Dolphin

  • Name: Delphinus (Del)
  • Meaning: The dolphin
  • Pronunciation: del-FY-nus
  • Shape: Animal
  • Hemisphere: Northern
  • Size: 189 square degrees of the sky
  • Visibility: Autumn
  • Visible between latitudes: 90 and -70 degrees
  • Asterism: 5 stars
  • Part of the Heavenly Waters constellation family

Delphinus in mythology

In ancient Greek mythology, Dolphins were trusted companions and messengers of the gods. It is said that Poseidon sent Delphinus to find Amphitrite, the nymph that he loved, and convince her to meet him. To reward Delphinus for his successful mission, Poseidon put him in the night sky as a constellation. Delphinus went from swimming in the sea to swimming in the celestial ocean!

Delphinus in the night sky

Delphinus, the 69th largest constellation in the sky, can be easily located at the following celestial coordinates: Right Ascension: 20h 30m and Declination: +10°, within the celestial quadrant NQ4. To catch the best view of Delphinus, look towards the northern sky during the summer season, specifically in the month of August.

Delphinus’ bordering constellations are Vulpecula, Sagitta, Aquila, Aquarius, Equuleus, and Pegasus.

Noteworthy deep-sky objects in Delphinus

The constellation’s brightest stars are Rotanev (β Delphini), Sualocin (α Delphini), and Gamma Delphini. Notable deep-sky objects in Delphinus include the planetary nebula NGC 6891 and the globular cluster NGC 6934.

Draco - The Dragon

  • Name: Draco (Dra)
  • Meaning: The dragon
  • Pronunciation: DRAY-koh
  • Shape: Animal
  • Hemisphere: Northern
  • Size: 1083 square degrees of the sky
  • Visibility: Winter
  • Visible between latitudes: 90 and -15 degrees
  • Asterism: 20 stars
  • Part of the Ursa Major constellation family
draco constellation

Draco in mythology

The Draco constellation is often associated with a great dragon called Ladon. Ladon referred to the serpent-like dragon which guarded the Golden Apples of the Hesperides. After being defeated by Heracles, Ladon was placed in the heavens by Hera, queen of the Olympian gods.

Draco in the night sky

Draco, the 8th largest constellation in the sky, can be easily located at the following celestial coordinates: Right Ascension: 17h and Declination: +65°, within the celestial quadrant NQ3. To catch the best view of Draco, look towards the northern sky during the summer season, specifically in the month of July, but it is a circumpolar constellation meaning it can be viewed all year long in the northern hemisphere.

Draco’s bordering constellations are Boötes, Camelopardalis, Cepheus, Cygnus, Hercules, Lyra, Ursa Major, and Ursa Minor.

Noteworthy deep-sky objects in Draco

The constellation’s brightest stars are Eltanin or Etamin (γ Draconis), Athebyne (η Draconis), and Rastaban (β Draconis). Notable deep-sky objects in Draco include the Spindle Galaxy (M102), the Cat’s Eye Nebula (NGC 6543), the Draco Dwarf Galaxy, and the Tadpole Galaxy.

Equuleus - The Little Horse

  • Name: Equuleus (Equ)
  • Meaning: The little horse
  • Pronunciation: ee-KWOO-lee-us
  • Shape: Animal
  • Hemisphere: Northern
  • Size: 72 square degrees in the sky
  • Visibility: Autumn
  • Visible between latitudes: 90 and -70 degrees
  • Asterism: 3 stars
  • Part of the Heavenly Waters constellation family
Equuleus constellation

Equuleus in mythology

In Greek mythology, Equuleus played a very small part. The horse-like constellation represents “Celeris”, brother of the most famous winged horse Pegasus. It is said the Celeris perished as collateral damage during a ruthless contest between Poseidon and Athena.

Equuleus in the night sky

Equuleus, the 87th largest constellation in the sky, can be easily located at the following celestial coordinates: Right Ascension: 21h and Declination: +10°, within the celestial quadrant NQ4. To catch the best view of Equuleus, look towards the northern sky during the fall season, specifically in the month of September.

Equuleus’ bordering constellations are Aquarius, Delphinus, and Pegasus.

Noteworthy deep-sky objects in Equuleus

The constellation’s brightest stars are Kitalpha (α Equulei), Delta Equulei, and Gamma Equulei. Notable deep-sky objects in Equuleus include spiral galaxy NGC 7015, spiral galaxy NGC 7040, barred spiral galaxy NGC 7046, and binary star NGC 7045.

Gemini - The Twins

  • Name: Gemini (Gem)
  • Meaning: The twins
  • Pronunciation: JEM-i-ny
  • Shape: Humanoid
  • Hemisphere: Northern
  • Size: 514 square degrees in the sky
  • Visibility: Winter & Spring
  • Visible between latitudes: 90 and -60 degrees
  • Asterism: 18 stars
  • Part of the Zodiac constellation family
Gemini constellation

Gemini in mythology

Gemini, in mythology, is the constellation that represents Castor and Pollux. They were identical twins, however, Castor was mortal and Pollux was an immortal god. The two brothers were inseparable and so, when Castor died, Pollux asked Zeus to be reunited with his brother. His wish was granted and now the twins are forever together in the sky.

Gemini in the night sky

Gemini, the 30th largest constellation in the sky, can be easily located at the following celestial coordinates: Right Ascension: 7h and Declination: +20°, within the celestial quadrant NQ2. To catch the best view of Gemini, look towards the northern sky during the winter season, specifically in the month of February.

Gemini’s bordering constellations are Taurus, Cancer, Auriga, Lynx, Monoceros, and Canis Minor.

Noteworthy deep-sky objects in Gemini

The constellation’s brightest stars are Pollux (β Gem), Castor (α Gem), and Alhena (γ Gem). Notable deep-sky objects in Gemini include the open cluster Messier 35, the Eskimo Nebula (NGC 2392, Caldwell 39), the Jellyfish Nebula (IC 443), and the Medusa Nebula (Abell 21, Sharpless 2-274).

Hercules - The strong man

  • Name: Hercules (Her)
  • Meaning: the glory of Hera
  • Pronunciation: HER-ku-leez
  • Shape: Humanoid
  • Hemisphere: Northern
  • Size: 1225 square degrees in the sky
  • Visibility: Summer
  • Visible between latitudes: 90 and -50 degrees
  • Asterism: 23 stars
  • Part of the Hercules constellation family

Hercules in mythology

Hercules was the greatest of the Greek heroes, a paragon of masculinity. In Roman and medieval telling, he was famous for his incredible strength and for his twelve labors, which were acts of heroism that demonstrated both his strength and his ability to overcome obstacles

Hercules in the night sky

Hercules, the 5th largest constellation in the sky, can be easily located at the following celestial coordinates: Right Ascension: 17h and Declination: +30°, within the celestial quadrant NQ3. To catch the best view of Hercules, look towards the northern sky during the summer season, specifically in the months of July and August.

Hercules’ bordering constellations are Draco, Boötes, Corona Borealis, Serpens Caput,  Ophiuchus, Aquila, Sagitta, Vulpecula, and Lyra.

Noteworthy deep-sky objects in Hercules

The constellation’s brightest stars are Kornephoros (β Herculis), Zeta Herculis, and Sarin (δ Herculis). Notable deep-sky objects in Hercules include the Great Globular Cluster (Messier 13, NGC 6205), the globular cluster Messier 92(NGC 6341), the planetary nebulae Abell 39, colliding spiral galaxies Arp 272 (NGC 6050 and IC 1179) the Hercules Cluster of galaxies (Abell 2151), and the galaxy cluster Abell 2199.

Lacerta - The Lizard

  • Name: Lacerta (Lac)
  • Meaning: Lizard
  • Pronunciation: luh-SER-tuh
  • Shape: Animal
  • Hemisphere: Northern
  • Size: 201 square degrees in the sky
  • Visibility: Autumn
  • Visible between latitudes: 90 and -35 degrees
  • Asterism: 6 stars
  • Part of the Perseus constellation family

Lacerta in mythology

There is no mythology or legend associated with Lacerta. This specific star pattern was simply interpreted as a lizard by its creator, Johannes Hevelius.

Lacerta in the night sky

Lacerta, the 68th largest constellation in the sky, can be easily located at the following celestial coordinates: Right Ascension: 22h and Declination: +45°, within the celestial quadrant NQ4. To catch the best view of Lacerta, look towards the northern sky during the fall season, specifically in the month of October.

Lacerta’s bordering constellations are Andromeda, Cassiopeia, Cepheus, Cygnus and Pegasus.

Noteworthy deep-sky objects in Lacerta

The constellation’s brightest stars are Alpha Lacertae, Beta Lacertae, and EV Lacertae. Notable deep-sky objects in Lacerta include open cluster NGC 7243 (Caldwell 16), and active galactic nucleus BL Lacertae.

Leo Minor - The Lion Cub

  • Name: Leo Minor (LMi)
  • Meaning: Lion Cub
  • Pronunciation: LEE-oh MY-ner
  • Shape: Animal
  • Hemisphere: Northern
  • Size: 232 square degrees of the sky
  • Visibility: Winter & Spring
  • Visible between latitudes: 90 and -45 degrees
  • Asterism: 4 stars
  • Part of the Ursa Major constellation family
Leo Minor constellation

Leo minor in mythology

There is no mythology or legend associated with Leo minor. This star pattern was simply interpreted as a young lion cub accompanying his parent, the Nemean Lion. The Romans saw this constellation as part of their larger constellation of Leo (the lion), while the Greeks saw it as a separate but related constellation.

Leo minor in the night sky

Leo Minor, the 64th largest constellation in the sky, can be easily located at the following celestial coordinates: Right Ascension: 10h and Declination: +35°, within the celestial quadrant NQ2. To catch the best view of Leo Minor, look towards the northern sky during the spring season, specifically in the month of April.

Leo Minor’s bordering constellations are Ursa Major and Leo.

Noteworthy deep-sky objects in Leo minor

The constellation’s brightest stars are Praecipua (46 Leonis Minoris), Beta Leonis Minoris, and 21 Leonis Minoris. Notable deep-sky objects in Leo Minor include the quasar Hanny’s Voorwerp, colliding galaxies known as Arp 107, spiral galaxy NGC 3432, barred spiral galaxy NGC 3486, and barred spiral galaxy NGC 3344.

Lynx - The Lynx

  • Name: The Lynx (Lyn)
  • Meaning: Lynx
  • Pronunciation: LINKS
  • Shape: Animal
  • Hemisphere: Northern
  • Size: 545 square degrees of the sky
  • Visibility: Autumn
  • Visible between latitudes: 90 and -35 degrees
  • Asterism: 4 stars
  • Part of the Ursa Major constellation family
Lynx constellation

Lynx in mythology

There is no mythology or legend associated with the Lynx. It was created in 1678 by Johannes Hevelius. It is said that this constellation was named the Lynx because it requires observers to have “cat’s eyes” since it is rather faint in the night sky.

Lynx in the night sky

Lynx, the 28th largest constellation in the sky, can be easily located at the following celestial coordinates: Right Ascension: 8h and Declination: +45°, within the celestial quadrant NQ2. To catch the best view of Lynx, look towards the northern sky during the winter to spring season, specifically in the month of March.

Lynx’s bordering constellations are Camelopardalis, Auriga, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, and Ursa Major.

Noteworthy deep-sky objects in Lynx

The constellation’s brightest stars are Alpha Lyncis (α Lyncis), 38 Lyncis, and Alsciaukat (31 Lyncis). Notable deep-sky objects in Lynx include the globular cluster known as the  Intergalactic Wanderer (NGC 2419, Caldwell 25), the UFO Galaxy (NGC 2683), and barred spiral galaxy NGC 2500.

Lyra - The Lyre

  • Name: Lyra (Lyr)
  • Meaning: The lyre
  • Pronunciation: LY-ruh
  • Shape: Object
  • Hemisphere: Northern
  • Size: 286 square degrees of the sky
  • Visibility: Summer & Autumn
  • Visible between latitudes: 90 and -40 degrees
  • Asterism: 12 stars
  • Part of the Hercules constellation family
Lyra constellation

Lyra in mythology

The lyre of Orpheus was a magical instrument that could charm anyone who heard its music. Orpheus, the legendary singer and musician, was said to have acquired the lyre from Apollo. He used it to win the love of Eurydice and to tame beasts.

Lyra in the night sky

Lyra, the 52nd largest constellation in the sky, can be easily located at the following celestial coordinates: Right Ascension: 19h and Declination: +40°, within the celestial quadrant NQ4. To catch the best view of Lyra, look towards the northern sky during the summer to fall season, specifically in the month of August.

Lyra’s bordering constellations are Vulpecula, Hercules, Draco, and Cygnus.

Noteworthy deep-sky objects in Lyra

The constellation’s brightest stars are Vega (α Lyrae), Sulafat (γ Lyrae), and Sheliak (β Lyrae). Notable deep-sky objects in Lyra include the globular cluster M56, the Ring Nebula (M57), the merging triplet of galaxies NGC 6745, and the open cluster NGC 6791.

Pegasus - The Winged Horse

  • Name: Pegasus (Peg)
  • Meaning: “strong” or from a “water spring”
  • Pronunciation: PEG-uh-sus
  • Shape: Animal
  • Hemisphere: Northern
  • Size: 1121 square degrees of the sky
  • Visibility: Autumn
  • Visible between latitudes: 90 and -60 degrees
  • Asterism: 14 stars
  • Part of the Perseus constellation family
Pegasus constellation

Pegasus in mythology

Pegasus was a winged horse in Greek mythology. He was the son of Poseidon and the gorgon Medusa. Pegasus was born when Perseus killed Medusa and her blood fell on the ground. He was an incredibly fast flyer and was often used by Zeus to carry his thunderbolts during battle. To reward him for his bravery and loyalty, Zeus placed him amongst the star as a constellation.

Pegasus in the night sky

Pegasus, the 7th largest constellation in the sky, can be easily located at the following celestial coordinates: Right Ascension: 22h and Declination: +20°, within the celestial quadrant NQ4. To catch the best view of Pegasus, look towards the northern sky during the summer to fall season, specifically in the month of October.

Pegasus’ bordering constellations are Andromeda, Aquarius, Cygnus, Delphinus, Equuleus, Lacerta, Pisces, and Vulpecula.

Noteworthy deep-sky objects in Pegasus

The constellation’s brightest stars are Enif, (ε Pegasi), Scheat (β Pegasi), and Markab (α Pegasi). Notable deep-sky objects in Pegasus include the Great Pegasus Cluster (M15), spiral galaxy NGC 7331, spiral galaxy NGC 7217, and barred spiral galaxy NGC 7479.

Perseus

  • Name: Perseus (Per)
  • Meaning: avenger
  • Pronunciation: (PER-see-us)
  • Shape: Humanoid
  • Hemisphere: Northern
  • Size: 615 square degrees of the sky
  • Visibility: Winter & Spring
  • Visible between latitudes: 90 and -35 degrees
  • Asterism: 20 stars
  • Part of the Perseus constellation family
Perseus constellation

Perseus in mythology

In Greek mythology, Perseus was the son of Zeus and Danaë. Perseus was one of the most famous heroes of Greek mythology and he was part of many important stories, including the story of Medusa, whom he killed by using her own reflection in a shield to turn her to stone.

Perseus in the night sky

Perseus, the 24th largest constellation in the sky, can be easily located at the following celestial coordinates: Right Ascension: 3h and Declination: +45°, within the celestial quadrant NQ1. To catch the best view of Perseus, look towards the northern sky during the fall season, specifically in the month of November.

Perseus’ bordering constellations are Andromeda, Aries, Auriga, Camelopardalis, Cassiopeia, Taurus and Triangulum.

Noteworthy deep-sky objects in Perseus

The constellation’s brightest stars are Mirphak/ Mirfak (α Persei), Algol (β Persei), and Atik/ Menkhib (ζ Persei). Notable deep-sky objects in Perseus include open cluster M34 (NGC 1039) and the Little Dumbbell Nebula (M76, NGC 650/ 651).

Sagitta - The arrow

  • Name: Sagitta (Sge)
  • Meaning: arrow
  • Pronunciation: (suh-JIT-uh)
  • Shape: Object
  • Hemisphere: Northern
  • Size: 80 square degrees of the sky
  • Visibility: Summer
  • Visible between latitudes: 90 and -70 degrees
  • Asterism: 5 stars
  • Part of the Hercules constellation family
Sagitta constellation

Sagitta in mythology

In Greek mythology, Sagitta, the Latin word for arrow, is often associated with the arrow used by Hercules to kill the eagle that tormented Prometheus.

Sagitta in the night sky

Sagitta, the 86th largest constellation in the sky, can be easily located at the following celestial coordinates: Right Ascension: 20h and Declination: +18°, within the celestial quadrant NQ4. To catch the best view of Sagitta, look towards the northern sky during the fall season, specifically in the month of September.

Sagitta’s bordering constellations are Aquila, Delphinus, Hercules and Vulpecula.

Noteworthy deep-sky objects in Sagitta

The constellation’s brightest stars are Gamma Sagittae (γ Sagittae), Delta Sagittae (δ Sagittae), and Sham (α Sagittae). Notable deep-sky objects in Sagitta include globular cluster M71 (NGC 6838), the Necklace Nebula, and planetary nebula NGC 6886.

Triangulum - The triangle

  • Name: Triangulum (Tri)
  • Meaning: triangle
  • Pronunciation: (try-ANG-gu-lum)
  • Shape: Object
  • Hemisphere: Northern
  • Size: 132 square degrees of the sky
  • Visibility: Autumn
  • Visible between latitudes: 90 and -50 degrees
  • Asterism: 5 stars
  • Part of the Perseus constellation family
Triangulum constellation

Triangulum in mythology

The Triangulum constellation has links with the three-sided island of Sicily, which was said to be the home of the monster Typhon. Typhon was the son of Gaia and Tartarus and was said to be so huge and terrible that even the gods were afraid of him.

Triangulum in the night sky

Triangulum, the 78th largest constellation in the sky, can be easily located at the following celestial coordinates: Right Ascension: 2h and Declination: +30°, within the celestial quadrant NQ1. To catch the best view of Triangulum, look towards the northern sky during the fall season, specifically in the month of October.

Triangulum’s bordering constellations are Andromeda, Aries, Perseus and Pisces.

Noteworthy deep-sky objects in Triangulum

The constellation’s brightest stars are Beta Trianguli (β Trianguli), Mothallah (α Trianguli), and Gamma Trianguli (γ Trianguli). Notable deep-sky objects in Triangulum include the Triangulum Galaxy (M33, NGC 598), star-forming region NGC 604, and spiral galaxy NGC 634.

Ursa Major - The great bear

  • Name: Ursa Major (UMa)
  • Meaning: The great bear
  • Pronunciation: (ER-suh MAY-jer)
  • Shape: Animal
  • Hemisphere: Northern
  • Size: 1280 square degrees of the sky
  • Visibility: All year
  • Visible between latitudes: 90 and -30 degrees
  • Asterism: 26 stars
  • Part of the Ursa Major constellation family
ursa major constellation

Ursa Major in mythology

In Greek mythology, the constellation of Ursa Major was associated with the story of Callisto and her son Arcas. Callisto was a nymph who was turned into a bear by Zeus after she refused his advances. Her son, Arcas, was out hunting one day when he came across his mother in bear form. Not recognizing her, he prepared to kill the bear. Zeus intervened, however, and turned them both into constellations to prevent any further tragedy from occurring. Ursa Major represents Callisto, while Ursa Minor represents Arcas.

Ursa Major in the night sky

Ursa Major, the 3rd largest constellation in the sky, can be easily located at the following celestial coordinates: Right Ascension: 11h and Declination: +50°, within the celestial quadrant NQ2. To catch the best view of Ursa Major, look towards the northern sky during the spring season, specifically in the month of April.

Ursa Major’s bordering constellations are  Boötes, Camelopardalis, Canes Venatici, Coma Berenices, Draco, Leo, Leo Minor, and Lynx.

Noteworthy deep-sky objects in Ursa Major

The constellation’s brightest stars are Alioth (ε Ursae Majoris), Dubhe (α Ursae Majoris), and Alkaid (η Ursae Majoris). Notable deep-sky objects in Ursa Major include the optical double star Winnecke 4 (M40), the Pinwheel Galaxy (M101, NGC 5457), Bode’s Galaxy(M81, NGC 3031), the Cigar Galaxy (M82, NGC 3034), and the Owl Nebula (M97, NGC 3587).

Ursa Minor - The little bear

  • Name: Ursa Minor (UMi)
  • Meaning: lesser bear
  • Pronunciation: (ER-suh MY-ner)
  • Shape: Animal
  • Hemisphere: Northern
  • Size: 256 square degrees of the sky
  • Visibility: All year
  • Visible between latitudes: 90 and -10 degrees
  • Asterism: 7 stars
  • Part of the Ursa Major constellation family
Ursa Minor constellation

Ursa Minor in mythology

In Greek mythology, Ursa Minor is associated with Arcas, the son of Zeus and Callisto. He was a renowned hunter and king of Arcadia. One day, while out hunting, he came across his mother in the form of a bear. Not recognizing her, he prepared to shoot her with an arrow. Zeus saw this and intervened, turning Arcas and his mother into bear-shaped constellations. Ursa Minor is also said to represent the dog of Orion, who accompanies him on his hunts across the sky.

Ursa Minor in the night sky

Ursa Minor, the 56th largest constellation in the sky, can be easily located at the following celestial coordinates: Right Ascension: 15h and Declination: +70°, within the celestial quadrant NQ3. To catch the best view of Ursa Minor, look towards the northern sky during the summer season, specifically in the month of June.

Ursa Minor’s bordering constellations are Camelopardalis, Cepheus and Draco.

Noteworthy deep-sky objects in Ursa Minor

The constellation’s brightest stars are Polaris (α Ursae Minoris), Kochab (β Ursae Minoris), and Pherkad (γ Ursae Minoris). Notable deep-sky objects in Ursa Minor include barred spiral galaxy NGC 6217 and supergiant elliptical galaxy NGC 6251.

Vulpecula - The little fox

  • Name: Vulpecula (Vuk)
  • Meaning: little fox
  • Pronunciation: (vul-PEK-u-luh)
  • Shape: Animal
  • Hemisphere: Northern
  • Size: 268 square degrees of the sky
  • Visibility: Summer
  • Visible between latitudes: 90 and -55 degrees
  • Asterism: 7 stars
  • Part of the Hercules constellation family

Vulpecula in mythology

Vulpecula is a faint constellation in the northern sky. It is not part of any myth or legend and its asterism was once identified as a fox carrying a goose in 1687, by its creator, Johannes Hevelius. Vulpecula is one of the 88 constellations recognized by the International Astronomical Union.

Vulpecula in the night sky

Vulpecula, the 55th largest constellation in the sky, can be easily located at the following celestial coordinates: Right Ascension: 20h and Declination: +25°, within the celestial quadrant NQ4. To catch the best view of Vulpecula, look towards the northern sky during the fall season, specifically in the month of September.

Vulpecula’s bordering constellations are Cygnus, Delphinus, Hercules, Lyra, Pegasus and Sagitta.

Noteworthy deep-sky objects in Vulpecula

The constellation’s brightest stars are Anser (α Vulpeculae), 23 Vulpeculae, and 31 Vulpeculae. Notable deep-sky objects in Vulpecula include the famous Dumbbell Nebula (M27), elliptical galaxy NGC 7052, Brocchi’s Cluster, and the first pulsar ever discovered, PSR B1919+21.

Antlia - The Air Pump

  • Name: Antlia (Ant)
  • Meaning: The air pump
  • Pronunciation: (ANT-lee-uh)
  • Shape: Object
  • Hemisphere: Southern
  • Size: 239 square degrees of the sky
  • Visibility: Spring
  • Visible between latitudes: 45 and -90 degrees
  • Asterism: 4 stars
  • Part of the La Caille constellation family
Antlia constellation

Antlia in mythology

Antlia is not associated with any myths or legends. Its name is derived from the Latin word for “pump”. It was first identified by the French astronomer Nicolas Louis de Lacaille in the 18th century.

Antlia in the night sky

Antlia, the 62nd largest constellation in the sky, can be easily located at the following celestial coordinates: Right Ascension: 10h and Declination: -35°, within the celestial quadrant SQ2. To catch the best view of Antlia, look towards the southern sky during the spring season, specifically in the month of April.

Antlia’s bordering constellations are Centaurus, Hydra, Pyxis, and Vela.

Noteworthy deep-sky objects in Antlia

The constellation’s brightest stars are Alpha Antliae (α Antliae), Epsilon Antilae, and Iota Antilae. Notable deep-sky objects in Antlia include the Antlia Dwarf Galaxy, the Antlia Cluster of Galaxies, spiral galaxy NGC 3244, spiral galaxy IC 2560, spiral galaxy NGC 2997, and merging galaxies IC 2545.

Apus - The Bird of Paraside

  • Name: Apus (Aps)
  • Meaning: “Without feet”
  • Pronunciation: (AY-pus)
  • Shape: Animal
  • Hemisphere: Southern
  • Size: 206 square degrees of the sky
  • Visibility: Summer
  • Visible between latitudes: 5 and -90 degrees
  • Asterism: 5 stars
  • Part of the Bayer constellation family
Apus constellation

Apus in mythology

There are no myths or legends associated with this constellation. It was identified by Pieter Dircksz Keyser, a Dutch navigator, and first appears on a celestial globe made by Jodocus Hondius in 1597.

Apus in the night sky

Apus, the 67th largest constellation in the sky, can be easily located at the following celestial coordinates: Right Ascension: 16h and Declination: -75°, within the celestial quadrant SQ3. To catch the best view of Apus, look towards the southern sky during the summer season, specifically in the month of July.

Apus’ bordering constellations are Ara, Chamaeleon, Circinus, Musca, Octans, Pavo, and Triangulum Australe.

Noteworthy deep-sky objects in Apus

The constellation’s brightest stars are Alpha Apodis, Gamma Apodis, and Beta Apodis. Notable deep-sky objects in Apus include globular clusters NGC 6101 and IC 4499.

Ara - The Altar

  • Name: Ara (Ara)
  • Meaning: The altar
  • Pronunciation: (AY-ruh)
  • Shape: Object
  • Hemisphere: Southern
  • Size: 237 square degrees of the sky
  • Visibility: Summer
  • Visible between latitudes: 25 and -90 degrees
  • Asterism: 8 stars
  • Part of the Hercules constellation family
Ara constellation

Ara in mythology

Ara was one of the 48 constellations listed by the 2nd-century astronomer Ptolemy, and it remains one of the 88 modern constellations. Ara lies south of the constellation Scorpius. Its name is Latin for “altar”, reflecting its shape; however, ancient depictions often showed it as a pillar or mast.

Ara was associated with the altar of Zeus in Greek mythology. The constellations of Ara and Centaurus were often depicted together in ancient artworks. In these illustrations, Ara is depicted as the altar upon which Centaur sacrifices Lupus, the neighboring constellation. 

Ara in the night sky

Ara, the 63rd largest constellation in the sky, can be easily located at the following celestial coordinates: Right Ascension: 17h and Declination: -55°, within the celestial quadrant SQ3. To catch the best view of Ara, look towards the southern sky during the summer season, specifically in the month of July.

Ara’s bordering constellations are Apus, Corona Australis, Norma, Pavo, Scorpius, Telescopium, and Triangulum Australe.

Noteworthy deep-sky objects in Ara

The constellation’s brightest stars are Beta Arae, Alpha Arae, and Zeta Arae. Notable deep-sky objects in Ara include the Stingray Nebula, Westerlund 1 (Ara Cluster), open cluster NGC 6193, globular cluster NGC 6397, globular cluster NGC 6352, globular cluster NGC 6362, barred spiral galaxy NGC 6300, planetary nebula NGC 6326 and the pre-planetary Water Lily Nebula.

Caelum - The Chisel

  • Name: Caelum
  • Meaning: Chisel
  • Pronunciation: (SEE-lum)
  • Shape: Object
  • Hemisphere: Southern
  • Size: 125 square degrees of the sky
  • Visibility: Winter
  • Visible between latitudes: 40 and -90 degrees
  • Asterism: 4 stars
  • Part of the La Caille constellation family
Caleum constellation

Caelum in mythology

Caelum is not associated with any myths or legends from ancient texts. It is a rather uninteresting constellation discovered by the French astronomer Lacaille. He originally named it Caelum Sculptorum, or the engraver’s chisel, because of its shape.

Caelum in the night sky

Caelum, the 81st largest constellation in the sky, can be easily located at the following celestial coordinates: Right Ascension: 5h and Declination: -40°, within the celestial quadrant SQ1. To catch the best view of Caelum, look towards the northern sky during the winter season, specifically in the month of January.

Caelum’s bordering constellations are Columba, Dorado, Eridanus, Horologium, Lepus, and Pictor.

Noteworthy deep-sky objects in Caelum

The constellation’s brightest stars are Alpha Caeli, Gamma Caeli, and Beta Caeli. Notable deep-sky objects in Caelum include the quasar HE0450-2958, barred spiral galaxy NGC 1679, barred spiral galaxy IC 2106, and spiral galaxy NGC 1571.

Canis Major - The Greater Dog

  • Name: Canis Major
  • Meaning: Greater Dog
  • Pronunciation: (KAY-nis MAY-jur)
  • Shape: Animal
  • Hemisphere: Southern
  • Size: 380 square degrees of the sky
  • Visibility: Winter
  • Visible between latitudes: 60 and -90 degrees
  • Asterism: 11 stars
  • Part of the Orion constellation family
Canis Major constellation

Canis Major in mythology

In Greek mythology, Canis Major is linked with a dog called Laelaps. Laelaps was a dog that never failed to catch its prey. It was said to be the fastest dog in history. That is until he was tasked with hunting a fox (Canis Minor) that could outrun anything. Laelaps and the fox ran around in circles until Zeus then placed them in the stars as constellations.

Funnily enough, in the winter month, Canis Minor rises about an hour earlier than Canis Major. In a way that infinite “chase” will carry on for all eternity.

There are theories about Canis Major being one of the two dogs that helped Orion the Hunter in his adventures.

Canis Major in the night sky

Canis Major, the 43rd largest constellation in the sky, can be easily located at the following celestial coordinates: Right Ascension: 7h and Declination: -20°, within the celestial quadrant SQ1. To catch the best view of Canis Major, look towards the southern sky during the winter season, specifically in the month of February.

Canis Major’s bordering constellations are Columba, Lepus, Monoceros, and Puppis.

Noteworthy deep-sky objects in Canis Major

The constellation’s brightest stars are Sirius (α Canis Majoris), Adhara (ε Canis Majoris), and Wezen (δ Canis Majoris). Notable deep-sky objects in Canis Major include The Little Beehive Cluster M41 (NGC 2287), Canis Major Dwarf Galaxy, emission nebula Thor’s Helmet (NGC 2359), and the colliding spiral galaxies NGC 2207 and IC 2163.

Capricornus - The Sea Goat

  • Name: Capricornus
  • Meaning: Horned goat
  • Pronunciation: (KAP-ri-KOR-nus)
  • Shape: Animal
  • Hemisphere: Southern
  • Size: 414 square degrees of the sky
  • Visibility: All year
  • Visible between latitudes: 60 and -90 degrees
  • Asterism: 12 stars
  • Part of the Zodiac constellation family
Capricornus constellation

Capricornus in mythology

In ancient times, the constellation was associated with the god Pan, who was often depicted as a half-goat, half-man creature. Pan was the god of nature and the wilderness and was said to be very skilled in hunting and fishing.

Capricornus in the night sky

Capricornus, the 40th largest constellation in the sky, can be easily located at the following celestial coordinates: Right Ascension: 21h and Declination: -20°, within the celestial quadrant SQ4. To catch the best view of Capricornus, look towards the southern sky during the fall season, specifically in the month of September.

Capricornus’ bordering constellations are Aquarius, Aquila, Microscopium, Piscis Austrinus, and Sagittarius.

Noteworthy deep-sky objects in Capricornus

The constellation’s brightest stars are Deneb Algedi (δ Capricorni), Dabih (β Capricorni), and Algedi/ Algiedi Secunda (α2 Capricorni). Notable deep-sky objects in Capricornus include globular star cluster M30 (NGC 7099), the galaxies in Hickson Compact Group 87 (HCG 87), and intermediate spiral galaxy IC 1337.

Carina - The Keel

  • Name: Carina
  • Meaning: The keel of a ship
  • Pronunciation: (kuh-REE-nuh)
  • Shape: Object
  • Hemisphere: Southern
  • Size: 494 square degrees of the sky
  • Visibility: All year
  • Visible between latitudes: 20 and -90 degrees
  • Asterism: 9 stars
  • Part of the Heavenly Waters constellation family
Carina constellation

Carina in mythology

In Greek mythology, the constellation represents the keep of the ship “Argo Navis”, which was used by Jason and the Argonauts to search for the Golden Fleece.

Carina in the night sky

Carina, the 34th largest constellation in the sky, can be easily located at the following celestial coordinates: Right Ascension: 9h and Declination: -60°, within the celestial quadrant SQ2. To catch the best view of Carina, look towards the southern sky during the spring season, specifically in the month of March.

Carina’s bordering constellations are Centaurus, Chamaeleon, Musca, Pictor, Puppis, Vela, and Volans.

Noteworthy deep-sky objects in Carina

The constellation’s brightest stars are Canopus (α Carinae), Miaplacidus (β Carinae), and Avior (ε Carinae). Notable deep-sky objects in Carina include the Eta Carinae/ Carina Nebula (NGC 3372), the Homunculus Nebula, the Keyhole Nebula, the Theta Carinae Cluster/ Southern Pleiades (IC 2602, Caldwell 102), the open cluster known as The Wishing Well Cluster (NGC 3532), and another open cluster NGC 3603.

Centaurus - The Centaur

  • Name: Centaurus (Cen)
  • Meaning: The Centaur
  • Pronunciation: (sen-TAHR-us)
  • Shape: Humanoid / Animal
  • Hemisphere: Southern
  • Size: 1060 square degrees of the sky
  • Visibility: All year
  • Visible between latitudes: 30 and -90 degrees
  • Asterism: 14 stars
  • Part of the Hercules constellation family
Centaurus constellation

Centaurus in mythology

The Centaurus constellation is derived from the mythological character of a centaur named Chiron, who was known for his wisdom and healing abilities. Chiron was the son of Cronus, one of the Titans in Greek mythology. He was often depicted as a wild creature with the upper body of a human and the lower body and legs of a horse. The constellation takes its name from Chiron’s title, which means “the Centaur” in Latin.

-> Learn more information about Centaurus, the centaur constellation.

Centaurus in the night sky

Centaurus is the ninth largest constellation in the sky and can be found at the following celestial coordinates: Right Ascension: 13 hours and Declination: -50 degrees, within the celestial quadrant SQ3. To catch the best view of Centaurus, look towards the southern sky during the spring season, specifically in the month of May.

For constellation lovers, it’s worth noting that there are several other famous asterisms nearby, including Antlia, Carina, Circinus, Crux, Hydra, Libra, Lupus, Musca, and Vela.

Noteworthy celestial objects within this constellation

The constellation’s brightest stars are Alpha Centauri (-0.01 mag) and Beta Centauri (0.61 mag). Notable deep-sky objects in Centaurus include Omega Centauri (a globular cluster), Centaurus A (a galaxy), NGC 3766, and IC 2944 (both open clusters).

Chamaeleon - The chameleon

  • Name: Chamaeleon
  • Meaning: The chameleon
  • Pronunciation: (kuh-MEE-lee-un)
  • Shape: Animal
  • Hemisphere: Southern
  • Size: 132 square degrees of the sky
  • Visibility: Summer
  • Visible between latitudes: 0 and -90 degrees
  • Asterism: 6 stars
  • Part of the Bayer constellation family
Chamaeleon constellation

Chamaeleon in mythology

The Chamaeleon constellation is named after the chameleon, a creature known for having the ability to change its colour according to its surroundings. There are no myths associated with the constellation, however, some ancient cultures believed that the chameleon was a symbol of transformation and new beginnings.

Chamaeleon in the night sky

Chamaeleon, the 79th largest constellation in the sky, can be easily located at the following celestial coordinates: Right Ascension: 11h and Declination: -80°, within the celestial quadrant SQ2. To catch the best view of Chamaeleon, look towards the southern sky during the spring season, specifically in the month of April.

Chamaeleon’s bordering constellations are Apus, Carina, Mensa, Musca, Octans, and Volans.

Noteworthy deep-sky objects in Chamaeleon

The constellation’s brightest stars are Alpha Chamaeleontis, Gamma Chamaeleontis, and Beta Chamaeleontis. Notable deep-sky objects in Chamaeleon include the planetary nebula NGC 3195, the Chamaeleon cloud complex, and the Eta Chamaeleontis Cluster (Mamajek 1).

Circinus - The pair of dividing compasses

  • Name: Circinus (Cir)
  • Meaning: Compass
  • Pronunciation: (SER-sin-us)
  • Shape: Object
  • Hemisphere: Southern
  • Size: 93 square degrees of the sky
  • Visibility: Summer
  • Visible between latitudes: 20 and -90 degrees
  • Asterism: 3 stars
  • Part of the La Caille constellation family
Circinus constellation

Circinus in mythology

The constellation of Circinus is a relatively small, faint grouping of stars in the southern sky. It has no myths associated with it, but its name is derived from the Latin word for compass, a tool used by draftsmen and astronomers. 

This reflects the shape of the stars in this constellation; they form an imaginary oval or circle, reminiscent of a drawing instrument. This is probably what inspired the constellation’s discoverer, French astronomer Abbé Nicolas Louis de Lacaille.

Circinus in the night sky

Circinus, the 85th largest constellation in the sky, can be easily located at the following celestial coordinates: Right Ascension: 15h and Declination: -60°, within the celestial quadrant SQ3. To catch the best view of Circinus, look towards the southern sky during the summer season, specifically in the month of June.

Circinus bordering constellations are Apus, Centaurus, Lupus, Musca, Norma, and Triangulum Australe.

Noteworthy deep-sky objects in Circinus

The constellation’s brightest stars are Alpha Circini, Beta Circini, and Gamma Circini. Notable deep-sky objects in Circinus include the Circinus Galaxy, the X-ray source Circinus X-1, the pulsar PSR B1509-58, the open clusters NGC 5823 and NGC 5715, and the planetary nebula NGC 5315.

Columba - The Dove

  • Name: Columba (Col)
  • Meaning: The Dove
  • Pronunciation: (koh-LUM-buh)
  • Shape: Animal
  • Hemisphere: Southern
  • Size: 270 square degrees of the sky
  • Visibility: Winter
  • Visible between latitudes: 45 and -90 degrees
  • Asterism: 11 stars
  • Part of the Heavenly Waters constellation family
Columba constellation

Columba in mythology

The Columba is said to be associated with Noah’s dove, who released the bird to find land after the great flood. The constellation is Latin for ‘dove’ and symbolizes peace and hope in mythology. The stars that makeup Columba are believed to represent Noah’s dove, which had a branch from an olive tree in its beak; signifying that life will go on despite the great destruction caused by the flood.

Columba in the night sky

Columba, the 54th largest constellation in the sky, can be easily located at the following celestial coordinates: Right Ascension: between 05h 03m 53.8665s and 06h 39m 36.9263s and Declination: between -27.0772038° and -43.1116486°, within the celestial quadrant SQ1. To catch the best view of Columba, look towards the southern sky during the evening, specifically in the month of February.

Columba bordering constellations are Lepus, Caelum, Pictor, Puppis, and Canis Major.

Noteworthy deep-sky objects in Columba

The constellation’s brightest stars are Alpha Columbae (Phact) and Beta Columbae (Wazn). Notable deep-sky objects in Columba include NGC 1851, a globular cluster, NGC 1792, a spiral galaxy, and NGC 1808, a Seyfert galaxy.

Corona Australis - The Southern Crown

  • Name: Corona Australis (CrA)
  • Meaning: Southern Crown
  • Pronunciation: koh-ROH-nuh ahs-TRAY-liss
  • Shape: Object
  • Hemisphere: Southern
  • Size: 128 square degrees of the sky
  • Visibility: Summer
  • Visible between latitudes: 40 and -90 degrees
  • Asterism: 6 stars
  • Part of the Hercules constellation family
Corona Australis constellation

Corona Australis in mythology

In Greek mythology, it is believed to be associated with Dionysus and his mother Semele. Semela was in the underworld after being killed by Zeus’s thunderbolts and was eventually brought back to the heavens by Dionysus. After freeing his mother from Hades’ realm, Dionysus placed her crown among the stars. This constellation is also known as the “Celestial Wreathe” due to its star pattern which resembles a wreath or garland of stars.

Corona Australis in the night sky

Corona Australis, the 80th largest constellation in the sky, can be easily located at the following celestial coordinates: Right Ascension: 18h 34m 24s to 19h 23m 12s and Declination: -36.77° to -45.52°, within the celestial quadrant SQ3. To catch the best view of Corona Australis, look towards the southern sky during the winter season, specifically in the month of August.

Corona Australis bordering constellations are Sagittarius, Scorpius, Telescopium, and Ara.

Noteworthy deep-sky objects in Corona Australis

The constellation’s brightest stars are Alpha Coronae Australis, Beta Coronae Australis, and Gamma Coronae Australis. Notable deep-sky objects in Corona Australis include the Corona Australis molecular cloud, a dark nebula and star-forming region, and the globular cluster NGC 6723.

Corvus - The Crow

  • Name: Corvus (Crv)
  • Meaning: The Crow
  • Pronunciation: (KOR-vus)
  • Shape: Animal
  • Hemisphere: Southern
  • Size: 184 square degrees of the sky
  • Visibility: Spring
  • Visible between latitudes: 60 and -90 degrees
  • Asterism: 5 stars
  • Part of the Hercules constellation family
Corvus constellation

Corvus in mythology

The constellation Corvus, which means “raven” in Latin, has been associated with a story from Greek mythology. According to this myth, Apollo sent a raven holding a cup in its beak to fetch water. Instead of fetching water, the raven was distracted by a fig tree and stayed to eat the figs. The raven returned with a small water snake in its beak and tried to blame it for its failure, which angered Apollo. To punish the raven, Apollo threw it into the sky along with the water snake and the cup, which are now adjacent constellations.

Corvus in the night sky

Corvus, the 70th largest constellation in the sky, can be easily located at the following celestial coordinates: Right Ascension: 12h and Declination: -20°, within the celestial quadrant SQ3. To catch the best view of Corvus, look towards the southern sky during the spring season, specifically in the month of April.

Corvus bordering constellations are Virgo, Crater, and Hydra.

Noteworthy deep-sky objects in Corvus

The constellation’s brightest stars are Gamma Corvi (Gienah), Delta Corvi (Algorab), Epsilon Corvi (Minkar), and Beta Corvi (Kraz). Notable deep-sky objects in Corvus include the Antennae galaxies (NGC 4038/NGC 4039), which are a pair of interacting galaxies.

Crater - The Cup

  • Name: Crater (Crt)
  • Meaning: The Cup
  • Pronunciation: (KRAY-ter)
  • Shape: Object
  • Hemisphere: Southern
  • Size: 282 square degrees of the sky
  • Visibility: Spring
  • Visible between latitudes: 65 and -90 degrees
  • Asterism: 8 stars
  • Part of the Hercules constellation family
Crater constellation

Crater in mythology

The Crater constellation is believed to be the cup of Apollo’s raven, Corvus. The origin of the constellation goes back to Greek mythology and is associated with Corvus’s failed attempt to retrieve the water. In anger, Appollo sent both of them up to the sky as constellations.

Crater in the night sky

Crater, the 53rd largest constellation in the sky, can be easily located at the following celestial coordinates: Right Ascension: 11h and Declination: -16°, within the celestial quadrant SQ2. To catch the best view of Crater, look towards the southern sky during the spring season, specifically in the month of April.

Crater bordering constellations are Leo, Virgo, Corvus, Hydra, and Sextans.

Noteworthy deep-sky objects in Crater

The constellation’s brightest stars are Delta Crateris and Alkes (Alpha Crateris). Notable deep-sky objects in Crater include the spiral galaxy NGC 3887 and the Crater 2 dwarf galaxy.

Crux - The Southern Cross

  • Name: Crux (cru)
  • Meaning: The Cross, or the Southern Cross
  • Pronunciation: (ker-ruk-hs)
  • Shape: Object
  • Hemisphere: Southern
  • Size: 68 square degrees of the sky
  • Visibility: Summer
  • Visible between latitudes: +20° and −90°.
  • Asterism: 4 stars
  • Part of the Hercules constellation family
Crux constellation

Crux in mythology

Crux is not part of any myths or legends. It is however an important constellation in the night sky, being one of the brightest and most easily identifiable star patterns. It was recognized by many different ancient cultures for its beauty, including the Greeks, Romans, Chinese and Aboriginal Australians. It’s an important constellation as it’s a key pointer for South Pole navigation. In Dante’s Divine Comedy, this constellation is mentioned as asterism of four bright stars in the southern sky in the 14th Century.

Crux in the night sky

Crux, the 88th largest constellation in the sky, can be easily located at the following celestial coordinates: Right Ascension: 12.5h and Declination: -60°, within the celestial quadrant SQ3. To catch the best view of Crux, look towards the northern sky during the autumn season, specifically in the month of May.

Crux bordering constellations are Centaurus and Musca.

Noteworthy deep-sky objects in Crux

The constellation’s brightest stars are Acrux (α Cru), Mimosa (β Crucis), Gacrux (γ Crucis), and Imai (δ Crucis). Notable deep-sky objects in Crux include the Jewel Box (NGC 4755), a bright and colorful open cluster, and the Coalsack Nebula, a large dark nebula.

Dorado - The Goldfish

  • Name: Dorado (Dor)
  • Meaning: The Goldfish, the Dolphinfish, or the Flying Goldfish
  • Pronunciation: (door-rah-doe)
  • Shape: Animal
  • Hemisphere: Southern
  • Size: 179 square degrees of the sky
  • Visibility: Winter
  • Visible between latitudes:  +20° and −90°. 
  • Asterism: 5 stars
  • Part of the Bayer constellation family
Dorado constellation

Dorado in mythology

The Dorado constellation is not associated with any myths or legends. Dutch astronomer Petrus Plancius, who discovered the constellation, named it after the Spanish word for “golden fish”. This is because many of its stars form a shape similar to a leaping fish. The Dorado constellation is also associated with sailing, as it contains many stars that can help sailors find their way by sea.

Dorado in the night sky

Dorado, the 72nd largest constellation in the sky, can be easily located at the following celestial coordinates: Right Ascension: 5h and Declination: -65°, within the celestial quadrant SQ1. To catch the best view of Dorado, look towards the southern sky during the summer season, specifically in the month of January.

Dorado bordering constellations are Caelum, Horologium, Reticulum, Hydrus, Mensa, Volans, and Pictor.

Noteworthy deep-sky objects in Dorado

The constellation’s brightest stars are Alpha Doradus and Beta Doradus. Notable deep-sky objects in Dorado include the Large Magellanic Cloud, NGC 1566 (an intermediate spiral galaxy), NGC 2074 (an emission nebula), and the Tarantula Nebula.

Fornax - The Furnace

  • Name: Fornax (For)
  • Meaning: The Furnace
  • Pronunciation: (four-na-khs)
  • Shape: Object
  • Hemisphere: Southern
  • Size: 398 square degrees of the sky
  • Visibility: Winter
  • Visible between latitudes:  +50° and −90°
  • Asterism: 2 stars
  • Part of the La Caille constellation family
Fornax constellation

Fornax in mythology

There are no myths or legends associated with this constellation. The Fornax constellation is a group of stars in the southern sky, first catalogued by the astronomer Abbe Nicolas Louis de Lacaille in the mid-18th century. The name of the constellation comes from Latin and means “furnace”, based on what the French astronomer thought this asterism looked like whilst mapping the southern sky.

Fornax in the night sky

Fornax, the 41st largest constellation in the sky, can be easily located at the following celestial coordinates: Right Ascension: 3h and Declination: -30°, within the celestial quadrant SQ1. To catch the best view of Fornax, look towards the southern sky during the autumn season, specifically in the month of December.

Fornax bordering constellations are Cetus, Sculptor, Phoenix, and Eridanus.

Noteworthy deep-sky objects in Fornax

The constellation’s brightest stars are Alpha Fornacis, Beta Fornacis, and Nu Fornacis. Notable deep-sky objects in Fornax include the Fornax Dwarf (a dwarf galaxy), the Fornax Cluster (a cluster of galaxies), and NGC 1365 (a barred spiral galaxy).

Grus - The Crane

  • Name: Grus (Gru)
  • Meaning: The Crane, also known as Flamingo and Southern Bird
  • Pronunciation: (ger-roo)
  • Shape: Animal
  • Hemisphere: Southern
  • Size: 366 square degrees of the sky
  • Visibility: Autumn
  • Visible between latitudes: +34° and −90°.
  • Asterism: 8 stars
  • Part of the Bayer constellation family
Grus constellation

Grus in mythology

Like most southern hemisphere constellations, there are no myths associated with the Grus constellation. Its name simply reflects what its discoverers thought it resembled. It is still unclear who designated this constellation first.

Grus in the night sky

Grus, the 45th largest constellation in the sky, can be easily located at the following celestial coordinates: Right Ascension: 22h and Declination: -45°, within the celestial quadrant SQ4. To catch the best view of Grus, look towards the southern sky during the autumn season, specifically in the month of October.

Grus bordering constellations are Piscis Austrinus, Microscopium, Indus, Tucana, Phoenix, and Sculptor.

Noteworthy deep-sky objects in Grus

The constellation’s brightest stars are Alnair (Alpha Gruis) and Beta Gruis. Notable deep-sky objects in Grus include the Grus Quartet (a group of four interacting galaxies), the Grus Triplet (a trio of galaxies), and IC 5148 (a planetary nebula).

Horologium - The Pendulum Clock

  • Name: Horologium (Hor)
  • Meaning: The Pendulum Clock
  • Pronunciation: (hor-roh-low-gee-um)
  • Shape: Object
  • Hemisphere: Southern
  • Size: 249 square degrees of the sky
  • Visibility: Winter
  • Visible between latitudes: +30° and −90°
  • Asterism: 6 stars
  • Part of the La Caille constellation family
Horologium constellation

Horologium in mythology

There are no known legends associated with this constellation. Its name is an “homâge” to Christian Huygens, who invented the pendulum clock in 1656. The constellation is an abstract representation of a clock, with its brightest star marking the centre, or the timepiece’s “balance wheel”. Other stars form lines that represent the pendulum and weights of a long case clock.

The Horologium constellation was catalogued by Nicolas Louis de Lacaille who was rather fond of Christian Huygens’ work. 

Horologium in the night sky

Horologium, the 58th largest constellation in the sky, can be easily located at the following celestial coordinates: Right Ascension: 3h and Declination: -60°, within the celestial quadrant SQ1. To catch the best view of Horologium, look towards the southern sky during the summer season, specifically in the month of December.

Horologium bordering constellations are Eridanus, Caelum, Reticulum, Dorado, and Hydrus.

Noteworthy deep-sky objects in Horologium

The constellation’s brightest stars are Alpha Horologii and Beta Horologii. Notable deep-sky objects in Horologium include globular cluster NGC 1261, barred galaxy NGC 1512 and the Horologium-Reticulum Supercluster of galaxies.

Hydrus - The Lesser Water Snake

  • Name: Hydrus (Hyi)
  • Meaning: The Lesser Water Snake, or the Male Water Snake
  • Pronunciation: (hi-der-us)
  • Shape: Animal
  • Hemisphere: Southern
  • Size: 243 square degrees of the sky
  • Visibility: Winter
  • Visible between latitudes:  +8° and −90°
  • Asterism: 5 stars
  • Part of the Bayer constellation family
Hydrus constellation

Hydrus in mythology

In Greek mythology, Hydrus is the constellation that represents the small water snake that was carried by Corvus, Apollo’s crow. Corvus had failed this mission and tried to blame the water snake for his failure. Apollo, however, saw through the excuse and placed both of them in the night sky.

Hydrus in the night sky

Hydrus, the 61st largest constellation in the sky, can be easily located at the following celestial coordinates: Right Ascension: 00h 06.1m to 04h 35.1m and Declination: −57.85° to −82.06°, within the celestial quadrant SQ1. To catch the best view of Hydrus, look towards the southern sky during the spring and summer seasons, specifically in the month of November.

Hydrus bordering constellations are Dorado, Eridanus, Horologium, Mensa, Octans, Phoenix, Reticulum, and Tucana.

Noteworthy deep-sky objects in Hydrus

The constellation’s brightest stars are Beta Hydri and Alpha Hydri. Notable deep-sky objects in Hydrus include IC 1717, PGC 6240 (also known as the White Rose Galaxy), NGC 1511, and NGC 1466. The Large Magellanic Cloud, a satellite galaxy to the Milky Way, extends into Hydrus.

Indus - The Indian

  • Name: Indus (Ind)
  • Meaning: The Indian
  • Pronunciation: (IN-dus)
  • Shape: Humanoid
  • Hemisphere: Southern
  • Size: 294 square degrees of the sky
  • Visibility: Autumn
  • Visible between latitudes: 25 and -90 degrees
  • Asterism: 5 stars
  • Part of the Bayer constellation family
Indus constellation

Indus in mythology

The Indus constellation is a relatively obscure group of stars in the southern sky. In some cultures, this constellation was seen as the shape of an Indian merchant who carried offerings to the gods on his back. It was believed that those who observed and honored the constellation would receive the blessings of the gods.

Indus in the night sky

Indus, the 49th largest constellation in the sky, can be easily located at the following celestial coordinates: Right Ascension: 20h 28m 40.6308s–23h 27m 59.4799s and Declination: -44.9588585° to -74.4544678°, within the celestial quadrant SQ4. To catch the best view of Indus, look towards the southern sky during the autumn season, specifically in the month of September.

Indus bordering constellations are Microscopium, Sagittarius (corner), Telescopium, Pavo, Octans, and Tucana.

Noteworthy deep-sky objects in Indus

The constellation’s brightest stars are The Persian (Alpha Indi) and Beta Indi. Notable deep-sky objects in Indus include NGC 7090 and NGC 7049, as well as a superluminous supernova named ASASSN-15lh (also designated SN 2015L).

Lepus - The Hare

  • Name: Lepus (Lep)
  • Meaning: The Hare
  • Pronunciation: (LEE-pus)
  • Shape: Animal
  • Hemisphere: Southern
  • Size: 290 square degrees of the sky
  • Visibility: Winter
  • Visible between latitudes: 60 and -90 degrees
  • Asterism: 12 stars
  • Part of the Orion constellation family
Lepus constellation

Lepus in the night sky

Lepus, the 51st largest constellation in the sky, can be easily located at the following celestial coordinates: Right Ascension: 04h 55m 02.2311s–06h 12m 51.7500s and Declination: −10.8138046°–−27.2787991°, within the celestial quadrant NQ2. To catch the best view of Lepus, look towards the southern sky during the winter season, specifically in the month of January.

Lepus bordering constellations are Orion, Monoceros, Canis Major, Columba, Caelum, and Eridanus.

Noteworthy deep-sky objects in Lepus

The constellation’s brightest stars are Alpha Leporis (Arneb) and Beta Leporis (Nihal). Notable deep-sky objects in Lepus include M79, a globular cluster of magnitude 8.0, 42,000 light-years from Earth. It is one of the few globular clusters visible in the Northern Celestial Hemisphere’s winter and is often described as having a “starfish” shape.

Libra - The Scales

  • Name: Libra (Lib)
  • Meaning: Scales
  • Pronunciation: (LEE-bruh)
  • Shape: Object
  • Hemisphere: Southern
  • Size: 538 square degrees of the sky
  • Visibility: All year
  • Visible between latitudes: 65 and -90 degrees
  • Asterism: 8 stars
  • Part of the Zodiac constellation family
Libra constellation

Libra in the night sky

Libra, the 29th largest constellation in the sky, can be easily located at the following celestial coordinates: Right Ascension: 15h and Declination: -15°, within the celestial quadrant SQ3. To catch the best view of Libra, look towards the southern sky during the spring season, specifically in the month of June

Libra bordering constellations are Serpens Caput, Virgo, Hydra, Centaurus (corner), Lupus, Scorpius, and Ophiuchus.

Noteworthy deep-sky objects in Libra

The constellation’s brightest stars are Zubeneschamali (Beta Librae) and Zubenelgenubi (Alpha Librae). Notable deep-sky objects in Libra include the globular cluster NGC 5897 and the galaxy IC 1059. Libra is also home to the Gliese 581 planetary system, which consists of the star Gliese 581, three confirmed planets, and two unconfirmed planets. Both Gliese 581d, and Gliese 581g are considered promising candidates for life.

Lupus - The Wolf

  • Name: Lupus (Lup)
  • Meaning: The wolf
  • Pronunciation: LOO-pus
  • Shape: Animal
  • Hemisphere: Southern
  • Size: 334 square degrees of the sky.
  • Visibility: Summer
  • Visible between latitudes: 35 and -90 degrees
  • Asterism: 9 stars
  • Part of the Hercules constellation family
lupus the wolf constellation

Lupus in mythology

There are two different stories about Lupus. The first one is about Lycaon, who was the king of Arcadia. He was such a terrible man that he was turned into a wolf by Zeus as punishment. The other story simply implies that Lupus is a beast about to be sacrificed by the nearby constellation Centaurus.

-> Learn more information about Lupus, the wolf constellation.

Lupus in the night sky

Lupus, the 46th largest constellation in the sky, can be easily located at the following celestial coordinates: Right Ascension: 15 hours and Declination: -45 degrees, within the celestial quadrant SQ3. To catch the best view of Lupus, look towards the southern sky during the summer season, specifically in the month of June.

Lupus is surrounded by other notable asterisms such as by Centaurus, Circinus, Hydra, Norma, Libra and Scorpius.

Noteworthy celestial objects within this constellation

Lupus’s brightest star is Alpha Lupi, which has a magnitude of 2.3. Other notable stars include Beta Lupi, Epsilon Lupi, and Gamma Lupi. There are also several deep-sky objects located within Lupus, including SN1006 (supernova remnant), NGC 5986 (globular cluster) and IC 4406 (the retina nebula).

Mensa - The Table Moutain

  • Name: Mensa (Men)
  • Meaning: Table Mountain
  • Pronunciation: (MEN-suh)
  • Shape: Location
  • Hemisphere: Southern
  • Size: 153 square degrees of the sky
  • Visibility: Winter
  • Visible between latitudes: 0 and -90 degrees
  • Asterism: 4 stars
  • Part of the La Caille constellation family
Mensa constellation

Mensa in the night sky

Mensa, the 75th largest constellation in the sky, can be easily located at the following celestial coordinates: Right Ascension: 5h and Declination: -80°, within the celestial quadrant SQ1. To catch the best view of Mensa, look towards the southern sky during the summer season, specifically in the month of January.

Mensa bordering constellations are Dorado, Hydrus, Octans, Chamaeleon, and Volans.

Noteworthy deep-sky objects in Mensa

The constellation’s brightest stars are Alpha Mensae and Beta Mensae. Notable deep-sky objects in Mensa include the Large Magellanic Cloud, the globular cluster NGC 1984, and the barred spiral galaxy NGC 1955.

Microscopium - The Microscope

  • Name: Microscopium (Mic)
  • Meaning: The Microscope
  • Pronunciation: (MY-kroh-SCOH-pee-um)
  • Shape: Object
  • Hemisphere: Southern
  • Size: 210 square degrees of the sky
  • Visibility: Summer
  • Visible between latitudes: 45 and -90 degrees
  • Asterism: 5 stars
  • Part of the La Caille constellation family
Microscopium constellation

Microscopium in the night sky

Microscopium, the 66th largest constellation in the sky, can be easily located at the following celestial coordinates: Right Ascension: 21h and Declination: -36°, within the celestial quadrant SQ4. To catch the best view of Microscopium, look towards the southern sky during the autumn season, specifically in the month of September.

Microscopium bordering constellations are Capricornus, Sagittarius, Telescopium, Indus, Grus, and Piscis Austrinus.

Noteworthy deep-sky objects in Microscopium

The constellation’s brightest stars are Gamma Microscopii, Alpha Microscopii, and Epsilon Microscopii. Notable deep-sky objects in Microscopium include NGC 6925, a barred spiral galaxy, and the Microscopium Void, a region of relatively empty space. 

Other interesting celestial objects include the star systems WASP-7 and HD 205739, which have been determined to have planets, and the young red dwarf star AU Microscopii and the sunlike HD 202628, which have debris disks.

Musca - The Fly

  • Name: Musca (Mus)
  • Meaning: The Fly
  • Pronunciation: (MUS-kuh)
  • Shape: Animal
  • Hemisphere: Southern
  • Size: 138 square degrees of the sky
  • Visibility: Summer & Spring
  • Visible between latitudes: 10 and -90 degrees
  • Asterism: 6 stars
  • Part of the Bayer constellation family
Musca constellation

Musca in the night sky

Musca, the 77th largest constellation in the sky, can be easily located at the following celestial coordinates: Right Ascension: 12h and Declination: -70°, within the celestial quadrant SQ3. To catch the best view of Musca, look towards the southern sky during the autumn season, specifically in the month of April.

Musca bordering constellations are Apus, Carina, Centaurus, Chamaeleon, Circinus, Crux, and Hydra

Noteworthy deep-sky objects in Musca

The constellation’s brightest stars are Alpha Muscae, Beta Muscae, Gamma Muscae, and Delta Muscae. Notable deep-sky objects in Musca include the Dark Doodad Nebula, the Hourglass Nebula, and the Coalsack Nebula.

Norma - The Set Square

  • Name: Norma (Nor)
  • Meaning: The carpenter’s squar
  • Pronunciation: (NOR-muh)
  • Shape: Object
  • Hemisphere: Southern
  • Size: 165 square degrees of the sky
  • Visibility: Summer
  • Visible between latitudes: 30 and -90 degrees
  • Asterism: 7 stars
  • Part of the La Caille constellation family
norma constellation

Norma in the night sky

Norma, the 74th largest constellation in the sky, can be easily located at the following celestial coordinates: Right Ascension: 16h and Declination: -50°, within the celestial quadrant SQ3. To catch the best view of Norma, look towards the southern sky during the summer season, specifically in the month of June.

Norma bordering constellations are Scorpius, Lupus, Circinus, Triangulum Australe, Ara, and Scorpius.

Noteworthy deep-sky objects in Norma

The constellation’s brightest stars are Gamma2 Normae and Epsilon Normae. Notable deep-sky objects in Norma include the Ant Nebula (Mz 3), Fine-Ring Nebula (Shapley 1), and the Norma Cluster (Abell 3627).

Octans - The Octant

  • Name: Octans (Oct)
  • Meaning: Octant
  • Pronunciation: (OK-tanz)
  • Shape: Object
  • Hemisphere: Southern
  • Size: 291 square degrees of the sky
  • Visibility: Autumn
  • Visible between latitudes: -5 and -90 degrees
  • Asterism: 6 stars
  • Part of the La Caille constellation family
octans constellation

Octans in the night sky

Octans, the 50th largest constellation in the sky, can be easily located at the following celestial coordinates: Right Ascension: 00h to 24h and Declination: -74.30° to -90°, within the celestial quadrant SQ4. To catch the best view of Octans, look towards the southern sky during the autumn season, specifically in the month of October.

Octans bordering constellations are Tucana, Indus, Pavo, Apus, Chamaeleon, Mensa, and Hydrus.

Noteworthy deep-sky objects in Octans

The constellation’s brightest stars are Nu Octantis and Beta Octantis. Notable deep-sky objects in Octans include NGC 7098, a barred spiral galaxy, NGC 2573 (also known as Polarissima Australis), a faint barred spiral galaxy that happens to be the closest NGC object to the south celestial pole, and NGC 7095, another barred spiral galaxy. The sparse open cluster Collinder 411 is also located in the constellation.

Pavo - The Peacock

  • Name: Pavo (Pav)
  • Meaning: Peacock
  • Pronunciation: (PAY-voh)
  • Shape: Animal
  • Hemisphere: Southern
  • Size: 378 square degrees of the sky
  • Visibility: Summer & Autumn
  • Visible between latitudes: 15 and -90 degrees
  • Asterism: 11 stars
  • Part of the Bayer constellation family
pavo constellation

Pavo in the night sky

Pavo, the 44th largest constellation in the sky, can be easily located at the following celestial coordinates: Right Ascension: 20h and Declination: -65°, within the celestial quadrant SQ4. To catch the best view of Pavo, look towards the southern sky during the winter season, specifically in the month of September.

Pavo’s bordering constellations are Apus, Ara, Indus, Octans, and Telescopium.

Noteworthy deep-sky objects in Pavo

The constellation’s brightest stars are Alpha Pavonis, Delta Pavonis, and Epsilon Pavonis. Notable deep-sky objects in Pavo include the globular cluster NGC 6752, the barred spiral galaxy NGC 6744, and the lenticular galaxy IC 4687.

Phoenix - The Rebirth Bird

  • Name: Phoenix (Phe)
  • Meaning: Phoenix, the mythical bird
  • Pronunciation: (FEE-niks)
  • Shape: Animal
  • Hemisphere: Southern
  • Size: 469 square degrees of the sky
  • Visibility: Winter
  • Visible between latitudes: 30 and -90 degrees
  • Asterism: 13 stars
  • Part of the Bayer constellation family
phoenix constellation

Phoenix in the night sky

Phoenix, the 37th largest constellation in the sky, can be easily located at the following celestial coordinates: Right Ascension: 23h 51m 12s to 2h 25m 14s and Declination: -39.31° to -57.84°, within the celestial quadrant SQ1. To catch the best view of Phoenix, look towards the southern sky during the autumn season, specifically in the month of November.

Phoenix bordering constellations are Grus, Tucana, Hydrus, Eridanus, Fornax, and Sculptor.

Noteworthy deep-sky objects in Phoenix

The constellation’s brightest stars are Alpha Phoenicis (Ankaa), Beta Phoenicis, and Gamma Phoenicis. Notable deep-sky objects in Phoenix include the Phoenix Dwarf galaxy and the Robert’s Quartet of galaxies.

Pictor - The Painter's Easel

  • Name: Pictor (Pic)
  • Meaning: Painter’s Easel
  • Pronunciation: (PIK-ter)
  • Shape: Object
  • Hemisphere: Southern
  • Size: 247 square degrees of the sky
  • Visibility: Winter
  • Visible between latitudes: 25 and -90 degrees
  • Asterism: 4 stars
  • Part of the La Caille constellation family
pictor constellation

Pictor in the night sky

Pictor, the 59th largest constellation in the sky, can be easily located at the following celestial coordinates: Right Ascension: 5h and Declination: -56°, within the celestial quadrant SQ1. To catch the best view of Pictor, look towards the southern sky during the summer season, specifically in the month of March.

Pictor bordering constellations are Carina, Columba, Caelum, Dorado, and Volans.

Noteworthy deep-sky objects in Pictor

The constellation’s brightest stars are Alpha Pictoris and Beta Pictoris. Notable deep-sky objects in Pictor include the Pictor Dwarf, a dwarf galaxy, and the Pictor A, a galaxy with a supermassive black hole at its center.

Piscis Austrinus - The Southern Fish

  • Name: Piscis Austrinus (PsA)
  • Meaning: 
  • Pronunciation: (PY-sis ahs-TRY-nus)
  • Shape: Animal
  • Hemisphere: Southern
  • Size: 245 square degrees of the sky
  • Visibility: Summer
  • Visible between latitudes: 50 and -90 degrees
  • Asterism: 10 stars
  • Part of the Heavenly Waters constellation family
piscis austrinus constellation

Piscis Austrinus in the night sky

Piscis Austrinus, the 60th largest constellation in the sky, can be easily located at the following celestial coordinates: Right Ascension: 21h 27m 13.8661s–23h 06m 54.6033s and Declination: −24.8250446°–−36.4592972°, within the celestial quadrant SQ4. To catch the best view of Piscis Austrinus, look towards the southern sky during the autumn season, specifically in the month of October.

Piscis Austrinus bordering constellations are Capricornus, Microscopium, Grus, Sculptor, and Aquarius.

Noteworthy deep-sky objects in Piscis Austrinus

The constellation’s brightest star is Fomalhaut (α PsA), which is 1st magnitude and the 18th-brightest star in the night sky. Other notable stars include Epsilon Piscis Austrini, a blue-white star of magnitude +4.17, Beta Piscis Austrini, a white main-sequence star of apparent magnitude 4.29, and Delta Piscis Austrini, a double star with components of magnitude 4.2 and 9.2. 

Notable deep-sky objects in Piscis Austrinus include NGC 7172, NGC 7174, NGC 7314, and NGC 7259, which are galaxies of magnitudes 11.9, 12.5, and 10.9, respectively. Another significant object is the BL Lacertae object PKS 2155-304, one of the brightest blazars in the sky.

Puppis - The Stern

  • Name: Puppis (Pup)
  • Meaning: The stern
  • Pronunciation: (PUP-is)
  • Shape: Object
  • Hemisphere: Southern
  • Size: 673 square degrees of the sky
  • Visibility: Winter
  • Visible between latitudes: 40 and -90 degrees
  • Asterism: 10 stars
  • Part of the Heavenly Waters constellation family
puppis constellation

Puppis in the night sky

Puppis, the 20th largest constellation in the sky, can be easily located at the following celestial coordinates: Right Ascension: 7.5h and Declination: -30°, within the celestial quadrant SQ2. To catch the best view of Puppis, look towards the southern sky during the winter season, specifically in the month of February.

Puppis bordering constellations are Monoceros, Pyxis, Vela, Carina, Pictor, Columba, Canis Major, and Hydra.

Noteworthy deep-sky objects in Puppis

The constellation’s brightest star is ζ Pup (Naos). Notable deep-sky objects in Puppis include the open clusters M46 and M47, which are in the same binocular field. M47 can be seen with the naked eye under dark skies, and its brightest stars are 6th magnitude. Another open cluster, Messier 93 (M93), is located somewhat to the south. NGC 2451 is a very bright open cluster containing the star c Puppis, and the nearby NGC 2477 is a good target for small telescopes.

Pyxis - The Compass

  • Name: Pyxis (Pyx)
  • Meaning: The Compass
  • Pronunciation: (PIK-sis)
  • Shape: Object
  • Hemisphere: Southern
  • Size: 221 square degrees of the sky
  • Visibility: Winter
  • Visible between latitudes: 50 and -90 degrees
  • Asterism: 3 stars
  • Part of the Heavenly Waters constellation family
pyxis constellation

Pyxis in the night sky

Pyxis, the 65th largest constellation in the sky, can be easily located at the following celestial coordinates: Right Ascension: 9h and Declination: -30°, within the celestial quadrant SQ2. To catch the best view of Pyxis, look towards the southern sky during the winter season, specifically in the month of March.

Pyxis bordering constellations are Antlia, Hydra, and Puppis.

Noteworthy deep-sky objects in Pyxis

The constellation’s brightest stars are Alpha Pyxidis, Beta Pyxidis, and Gamma Pyxidis. Notable deep-sky objects in Pyxis include the spiral galaxy NGC 2613.

Reticulum - The Net

  • Name: Reticulum (Ret)
  • Meaning: The Reticle
  • Pronunciation: (ree-TIK-u-lum)
  • Shape: Object
  • Hemisphere: Southern
  • Size: 114 square degrees of the sky
  • Visibility: Winter
  • Visible between latitudes: 20 and -90 degrees
  • Asterism: 6 stars
  • Part of the La Caille constellation family
reticulum constellation

Reticulum in the night sky

Reticulum, the 82nd largest constellation in the sky, can be easily located at the following celestial coordinates: Right Ascension: 03h 13m 27.0455s–04h 37m 05.8883s and Declination: -52.7470779°–-67.2479248°, within the celestial quadrant SQ1. To catch the best view of Reticulum, look towards the southern sky during the winter season, specifically in the month of January.

Reticulum bordering constellations are Horologium, Dorado, and Hydrus.

Noteworthy deep-sky objects in Reticulum

The constellation’s brightest star is Alpha Reticuli (3.33m). The binary star system Epsilon Reticuli consists of a spectral class K2IV star being orbited by a white dwarf. Zeta Reticuli is a wide binary star system, with both members being similar to the Sun. Notable deep-sky objects in Reticulum include the spiral galaxy NGC 1559 and the dwarf galaxy Reticulum II.

Sagittarius - The Archer

  • Name: Sagittarius (Sgr)
  • Meaning: Archer
  • Pronunciation: (SAJ-eh-TEHR-ee-us)
  • Shape: Humanoid / Animal
  • Hemisphere: Southern
  • Size: 867 square degrees of the sky
  • Visibility: Summer
  • Visible between latitudes: 55 and -90 degrees
  • Asterism: 19 stars
  • Part of the Zodiac constellation family
sagittarius constellation

Sagittarius in the night sky

Sagittarius, the 15th largest constellation in the sky, can be easily located at the following celestial coordinates: Right Ascension: 19h and Declination: -25°, within the celestial quadrant SQ4. To catch the best view of Sagittarius, look towards the southern sky during the summer season, specifically in the month of August.

Sagittarius bordering constellations are Aquila, Scutum, Serpens Cauda, Ophiuchus, Scorpius, Corona Australis, Telescopium, Indus (corner), Microscopium, and Capricornus.

Noteworthy deep-sky objects in Sagittarius

The constellation’s brightest stars are ε Sgr (Kaus Australis), σ Sgr (Nunki), ζ Sgr (Ascella), and δ Sgr (Kaus Media). Notable deep-sky objects in Sagittarius include the Large Sagittarius Star Cloud, the Small Sagittarius Star Cloud (also known as Messier 24), the Lagoon Nebula (Messier 8), the Omega Nebula (Messier 17), and the Trifid Nebula (Messier 20).

Scorpius - The Scorpion

  • Name: Scorpius (Sco)
  • Meaning: Scorpion
  • Pronunciation: (SKOR-pee-us)
  • Shape: Animal
  • Hemisphere: Southern
  • Size: 497 square degrees of the sky
  • Visibility: All year
  • Visible between latitudes: 40 and -90 degrees
  • Asterism: 17 stars
  • Part of the Zodiac constellation family
scorpus constellation

Scorpius in the night sky

Scorpius, the 33rd largest constellation in the sky, can be easily located at the following celestial coordinates: Right Ascension: 16.8875h and Declination: -30.7367°, within the celestial quadrant SQ3. To catch the best view of Scorpius, look towards the southern sky during the summer season, specifically in the month of July.

Scorpius bordering constellations are Sagittarius, Ophiuchus, Libra, Lupus, Norma, Ara, and Corona Australis.

Noteworthy deep-sky objects in Scorpius

The constellation’s brightest stars are Antares (α Sco), “rival of Mars,” so named because of its distinct reddish hue; β1 Sco (Graffias or Acrab), a triple star; δ Sco (Dschubba, “the forehead”); θ Sco (Sargas, of unknown origin); ν Sco (Jabbah); ξ Sco; π Sco (Fang); σ Sco (Alniyat); and τ Sco (Paikauhale).

Notable deep-sky objects in Scorpius include the open clusters Messier 6 (the Butterfly Cluster) and Messier 7 (the Ptolemy Cluster), NGC 6231 (by ζ² Sco), and the globular clusters Messier 4 and Messier 80. Other deep-sky objects include NGC 6302, also called the Bug Nebula, a bipolar planetary nebula, and NGC 6334, also known as the Cat’s Paw Nebula, an emission nebula and star-forming region.

Sculptor - The Sculptor Workshop

  • Name: Sculptor (Scl)
  • Meaning: The sculptor’s studio
  • Pronunciation: (SKULP-ter)
  • Shape: Object
  • Hemisphere: Southern
  • Size: 475 square degrees of the sky
  • Visibility: Autumn & Winter
  • Visible between latitudes: 50 and -90 degrees
  • Asterism: 4 stars
  • Part of the La Caille constellation family
sculptor constellation

Sculptor in the night sky

Sculptor, the 36th largest constellation in the sky, can be easily located at the following celestial coordinates: Right Ascension: 0h and Declination: -30°, within the celestial quadrant SQ1. To catch the best view of Sculptor, look towards the southern sky during the autumn season, specifically in the month of November.

Sculptor bordering constellations are Cetus, Aquarius, Piscis Austrinus, Grus, Phoenix, and Fornax.

Noteworthy deep-sky objects in Sculptor

The constellation’s brightest star is Alpha Sculptoris, with an apparent magnitude of 4.3. Notable deep-sky objects in Sculptor include the Sculptor Dwarf, a dwarf galaxy which is a member of the Local Group, as well as the Sculptor Group, the group of galaxies closest to the Local Group. The Sculptor Galaxy (NGC 253), a barred spiral galaxy and the largest member of the group, lies near the border between Sculptor and Cetus.

Scutum - The Shield

  • Name: Scutum (Sct)
  • Meaning: The shield
  • Pronunciation: (SKU-tum)
  • Shape: Object
  • Hemisphere: Southern
  • Size: 109 square degrees of the sky
  • Visibility: Summer
  • Visible between latitudes: 70 and -90 degrees
  • Asterism: 5 stars
  • Part of the Hercules constellation family
scutum constellation

Scutum in the night sky

Scutum, the 84th largest constellation in the sky, can be easily located at the following celestial coordinates: Right Ascension: 18.7h and Declination: -10°, within the celestial quadrant SQ4. To catch the best view of Scutum, look towards the southern sky during the summer season, specifically in the month of August.

Scutum bordering constellations are Aquila, Sagittarius, and Serpens Cauda.

Noteworthy deep-sky objects in Scutum

The constellation’s brightest stars are Alpha Scuti, Beta Scuti, and Delta Scuti. Alpha Scuti is a K-type giant star with a magnitude of 3.85. Notable deep-sky objects in Scutum include the Wild Duck Cluster (M11), the open cluster M26 (NGC 6694), the globular cluster NGC 6712, and the planetary nebula IC 1295.

Telescopium - The Telescope

  • Name: Telescopium (Tel)
  • Meaning: Telescope
  • Pronunciation: (TEL-eh-SKOH-pee-um)
  • Shape: Object
  • Hemisphere: Southern
  • Size: 252 square degrees of the sky
  • Visibility: Summer
  • Visible between latitudes: 30 and -90 degrees
  • Asterism: 6 stars
  • Part of the La Caille constellation family

Telescopium in the night sky

Telescopium, the 57th largest constellation in the sky, can be easily located at the following celestial coordinates: Right Ascension: 19h and Declination: -50°, within the celestial quadrant SQ3. To catch the best view of Telescopium, look towards the southern sky during the winter season, specifically in the month of August.

Telescopium bordering constellations are Ara, Corona Australis, Indus, Microscopium, Pavo, and Sagittarius.

Noteworthy deep-sky objects in Telescopium

The constellation’s brightest stars are Alpha Telescopii, Zeta Telescopii, and Epsilon Telescopii. Notable deep-sky objects in Telescopium include the globular clusters NGC 6584 and NGC 6642, and the spiral galaxy NGC 6861.

Triangulum Australe - The Southern Triangle

  • Name: Triangulum Australe (TrA)
  • Meaning: Southern Triangle
  • Pronunciation: (try-ANG-gu-lum ahs-TRAY-lee)
  • Shape: Object
  • Hemisphere: Southern
  • Size: 110 square degrees of the sky
  • Visibility: Summer
  • Visible between latitudes: 15 and -90 degrees
  • Asterism: 4 stars
  • Part of the Hercules constellation family
triangulum australe constellation

Triangulum Australe in the night sky

Triangulum Australe, the 83rd largest constellation in the sky, can be easily located at the following celestial coordinates: Right Ascension: 16h and Declination: -65°, within the celestial quadrant SQ3. To catch the best view of Triangulum Australe, look towards the southern sky during the summer season, specifically in the month of July.

Triangulum Australe bordering constellations are Norma, Ara, Circinus, and Apus.

Noteworthy deep-sky objects in Triangulum Australe

The constellation’s brightest stars are Alpha Trianguli Australis, Beta Trianguli Australis, and Gamma Trianguli Australis. Notable deep-sky objects in Triangulum Australe include the open cluster NGC 6025 and spiral galaxy NGC 5938.

Tucana - The Toucan

  • Name: Tucana (Tuc)
  • Meaning: The toucan
  • Pronunciation: (too-KAN-uh)
  • Shape: Animal
  • Hemisphere: Southern
  • Size: 295 square degrees of the sky
  • Visibility: Winter
  • Visible between latitudes: 15 and -90 degrees
  • Asterism: 6 stars
  • Part of the Bayer constellation family
tucana constellation

Tucana in the night sky

Tucana, the 48th largest constellation in the sky, can be easily located at the following celestial coordinates: Right Ascension: 22h 08.45m to 01h 24.82m and Declination: −56.31° to −75.35°, within the celestial quadrant SQ1. To catch the best view of Tucana, look towards the southern sky during the autumn season, specifically in the month of November.

Tucana bordering constellations are Grus, Indus, Octans, Hydrus, Eridanus and Phoenix.

Noteworthy deep-sky objects in Tucana

The constellation’s brightest stars are Alpha Tucanae (mag 2.86) and 6 star system Beta Tucanae. Notable deep-sky objects in Tucana include globular clusters NGC 104 (47 Tucanae), NGC 121, Lindsay 8 and NGC 362.

Vela - The Sails

  • Name: Vela (Vel)
  • Meaning: The sails
  • Pronunciation: (VEE-luh)
  • Shape: Object
  • Hemisphere: Southern
  • Size: 500 square degrees of the sky
  • Visibility: Spring
  • Visible between latitudes: 30 and -90 degrees
  • Asterism: 5 stars
  • Part of the Heavenly Waters constellation family
vela constellation

Vela in the night sky

Vela, the 32nd largest constellation in the sky, can be easily located at the following celestial coordinates: Right Ascension: between 08h 13.3m and 11h 05.5m and Declination: between 37.16° and −57.17°, within the celestial quadrant SQ2. To catch the best view of Vela, look towards the southern sky during the spring season, specifically in the month of March.a

Vela’s bordering constellations are Antlia, Pyxis, Puppis, Carina and Centaurus.

Noteworthy deep-sky objects in Vela

The constellation’s brightest star is Gamma Velorum (mag. 1.83) which is a double blue-white star system. Notable deep-sky objects in Vela include planetary nebula NGC 3132 – The Southern Ring Nebula. The asterism is also host tothe Gum Nebula, the Pencil Nebula, along with open clusters NGC 2670, NGC 2547, and globular NGC 3201.

Volans - The Flying Fish

  • Name: Volans (Vol)
  • Meaning: The flying fish
  • Pronunciation: (VOH-lanz)
  • Shape: Animal
  • Hemisphere: Southern
  • Size: 141 square degrees of the sky
  • Visibility: Spring
  • Visible between latitudes: 10 and -90 degrees
  • Asterism: 6 stars
  • Part of the Bayer constellation family
volans constellation

Volans in the night sky

Volans, the 76th largest constellation in the sky, can be easily located at the following celestial coordinates: Right Ascension: 06h 31m 04.9703s–09h 04m 22.7345s and Declination: −64.1070251°–−75.4954681°, within the celestial quadrant SQ2. To catch the best view of Volans, look towards the southern sky during the spring season, specifically in the month of March.

Volans’ bordering constellations are Carina, Pictor, Dorado, Mensa, and Chamaeleon.

Noteworthy deep-sky objects in Volans

The constellation’s brightest stars are Gamma Volantis (mag 3.62) and Epsilon Volantis (mag -1.82). Notable deep-sky objects in Volans include the Lindsay-Shapley ring (AM0644-741), a ring galaxy located 300 million light-years from Earth, and NGC 2442, an intermediate-spiral galaxy, located 50 million light-years from Earth. Another interesting celestial object in Volans is HD 76700, a sunlike star some 195 light-years distant that has been found to have a planet.

Aquarius - The Water Bearer

  • Name: Aquarius (Aqr)
  • Meaning: Water bearer
  • Pronunciation: (uh-KWER-ee-us)
  • Shape: Humanoid
  • Hemisphere: Southern
  • Size: 980 square degrees of the sky
  • Visibility: Autumn
  • Visible between latitudes: 65 and -90 degrees
  • Asterism: 22 stars
  • Part of the Zodiac constellation family
aquarius constellation

Aquarius in the night sky

Aquarius, the 10th largest constellation in the sky, can be easily located at the following celestial coordinates: Right Ascension: between 20h 38m 19 and 23h 56m 23s and Declination: between 03.32 and −24.90°, within the celestial quadrant SQ4. To catch the best view of Aquarius, look towards the southern sky during the autumn season, specifically in the month of October.

Aquarius’ bordering constellations are Pisces, Pegasus, Equuleus, Delphinus, Aquila, Capricornus, Piscis Austrinus, Sculptor, and Cetus.

Noteworthy deep-sky objects in Aquarius

The constellation’s brightest stars are, α Aquarii (mag 2.94) and β Aquarii (mag 2.87), are brilliant yellow supergiants with spectral types G0Ib and G2Ib respectively. Notable deep-sky objects in Aquarius include messier objects M2, M72, and M73. The constellation also hosts planetary nebulae NGC 7009 (Saturn Nebula) as well as NGC 7293 (the Helix Nebula).

Aquila - The Eagle

  • Name: Aquila (Aql)
  • Meaning: Eagle
  • Pronunciation: (uh-KWIL-uh)
  • Shape: Animal
  • Hemisphere: Southern
  • Size: 652 square degrees of the sky
  • Visibility: Summer & Autumn
  • Visible between latitudes: 85 and -75 degrees
  • Asterism: 8 stars
  • Part of the Hercules constellation family
aquila constellation

Aquila in the night sky

Aquila, the 22nd largest constellation in the sky, can be easily located at the following celestial coordinates: Right Ascension: 19h and Declination: +8°, within the celestial quadrant NQ4 (Northern Hemisphere Fourth Quadrant). To catch the best view of Aquila, look towards the northern sky during the summer season, specifically in the month of August.

Aquila’s bordering constellations are Aquarius, Capricornus, Sagittarius, Serpens Cauda, Scutum, Sagitta, Hercules, Ophiuchus, and Delphinus.

Noteworthy deep-sky objects in Aquila

The constellation’s brightest stars are Altair (Alpha Aquilae), Tarazed (Gamma Aquilae), and Alshain (Beta Aquilae). Notable deep-sky objects in Aquila include the many planetary nebulae such as NGC 6751 and NGC 6781, and open clusters like NGC 6709.

Canis Minor - The Lesser Dog

  • Name: Canis Minor (CMi)
  • Meaning: Lesser dog
  • Pronunciation: (KAY-nis MY-ner)
  • Shape: Animal
  • Hemisphere: Southern
  • Size: 183 square degrees of the sky
  • Visibility: Winter & Spring
  • Visible between latitudes: 85 and -75 degrees
  • Asterism: 2 stars
  • Part of the Orion constellation family
canis minor constellation

Canis Minor in the night sky

Canis Minor, the 71st largest constellation in the sky, can be easily located at the following celestial coordinates: Right Ascension: 7h and Declination: +5°, within the celestial quadrant NQ2 (Northern Hemisphere Second Quadrant). To catch the best view of Canis Minor, look towards the northern sky during the winter season, specifically in the month of February.

Canis Minor’s bordering constellations are Monoceros, Gemini, Cancer, and Hydra.

Noteworthy deep-sky objects in Canis Minor

The constellation’s brightest stars are Procyon (Alpha Canis Minoris) and Gomeisa (Beta Canis Minoris). Canis Minor is small and lacks notable deep-sky objects, but its main star, Procyon, is one of the brightest in the sky and part of the Winter Triangle asterism.

Cetus - The Sea Monster

  • Name: Cetus (Cet)
  • Meaning: Sea monster or large fish
  • Pronunciation: (SEE-tus)
  • Shape: Animal
  • Hemisphere: Southern
  • Size: 1231 square degrees of the sky
  • Visibility: Autumn
  • Visible between latitudes: 70 and -90 degrees
  • Asterism: 15 stars
  • Part of the Perseus constellation family
cetus constellation

Cetus in the night sky

Cetus, the fourth largest constellation in the sky, can be easily located at the following celestial coordinates: Right Ascension: 1h and Declination: -10°, within the celestial quadrant SQ1 (Southern Hemisphere First Quadrant). To catch the best view of Cetus, look towards the southern sky during the autumn season, specifically in the month of November.

Cetus’s bordering constellations are Pisces, Aquarius, Sculptor, Fornax, Eridanus, Taurus, and Aries.

Noteworthy deep-sky objects in Cetus

The constellation’s brightest stars are Beta Ceti (also known as Diphda or Deneb Kaitos) and Alpha Ceti (Menkar). Notable deep-sky objects in Cetus include the barred spiral galaxy Messier 77 (M77), also known as NGC 1068, and the famous variable star Mira (Omicron Ceti).

Eridanus - The Celestial River

  • Name: Eridanus (Eri)
  • Meaning: The river
  • Pronunciation: (eh-RID-uh-nus)
  • Shape: Animal
  • Hemisphere: Southern
  • Size: 1138 square degrees of the sky
  • Visibility: Winter
  • Visible between latitudes: 60 and -90 degrees
  • Asterism: 25 stars
  • Part of the Heavenly Waters constellation family
eridanus constellation

Eridanus in the night sky

Eridanus, the sixth largest constellation in the sky, can be easily located at the following celestial coordinates: Right Ascension: 3.25 hours and Declination: −29°, within the celestial quadrant SQ1. To catch the best view of Eridanus, look towards the southern sky during the winter season, specifically in the month of December.

Eridanus’ bordering constellations are Cetus, Fornax, Phoenix, Hydrus, Tucana (corner), Horologium, Caelum, Lepus, Orion, and Taurus.

Noteworthy deep-sky objects in Eridanus

The constellation’s brightest stars are Achernar, Cursa, and Acamar. Notable deep-sky objects in Eridanus include NGC 1300, a barred spiral galaxy, and the Witch Head Nebula.

Hydra - The multi-headed water snake

  • Name: Hydra (Hya)
  • Meaning: Sea Serpent
  • Pronunciation: (HYD-ruh)
  • Shape: Animal
  • Hemisphere: Southern
  • Size: 1303 square degrees of the sky
  • Visibility: Spring & Summer
  • Visible between latitudes: 60 and -90 degrees
  • Asterism: 18 stars
  • Part of the Hercules constellation family
hydra constellation

Hydra in the night sky

Hydra, the largest constellation in the sky, can be easily located at the following celestial coordinates: Right Ascension: between 8 hours 10 minutes 56.2029 seconds and 15 hours 02 minutes 31.3847 seconds and Declination: between 6.6302376° and −35.6938896°, within the celestial quadrant SQ2. To catch the best view of Hydra, look towards the sky during the spring season, specifically in the month of April.

Hydra’s bordering constellations are Antlia, Cancer, Canis Minor, Centaurus, Corvus, Crater, Leo, Libra, Lupus (corner), Monoceros, Puppis, Pyxis, Sextans, and Virgo.

Noteworthy deep-sky objects in Hydra include

  • Alphard, the brightest star, an orange giant with a magnitude of 1.98, known as “the solitary one.”
  • Messier 48 (M48), an open star cluster that is loosely scattered and visible with binoculars.
  • Messier 68 (M68), a globular cluster with a magnitude of 9.67, visible through small telescopes.
  • Messier 83 (M83) or the Southern Pinwheel Galaxy, a barred spiral galaxy that is a favorite for amateur astronomers due to its brightness and size​

Leo - The lion of Nemea

  • Name: Leo (Leo)
  • Meaning: Lion
  • Pronunciation: (LEE-oh)
  • Shape: Animal
  • Hemisphere: Southern
  • Size: 947 square degrees of the sky
  • Visibility: Spring
  • Visible between latitudes: 90 and -65 degrees
  • Asterism: 9 stars
  • Part of the Zodiac constellation family
leo constellation

Leo in the night sky

Leo, the twelfth largest constellation in the sky, can be easily located at the following celestial coordinates: Right Ascension: 11 hours and Declination: +15°, within the celestial quadrant NQ2. To catch the best view of Leo, look towards the northern sky during the spring season, specifically in the month of April.

Leo’s bordering constellations are Ursa Major, Leo Minor, Lynx, Cancer, Hydra, Sextans, Crater, Virgo, and Coma Berenices.

Noteworthy deep-sky objects in Leo

The constellation’s three brightest stars are Regulus (a blue-white main-sequence star), Denebola (a blue-white main-sequence star), and Algieba (a binary star system). Notable deep-sky objects in Leo include Messier 65 (spiral galaxy), Messier 66 (spiral galaxy), Messier 95 (barred spiral galaxy), Messier 96 (spiral galaxy), and Messier 105 (elliptical galaxy).

Monoceros - The Unicorn

  • Name: Monoceros (Mon)
  • Meaning: single-horned
  • Pronunciation: (moh-NOS-er-us)
  • Shape: Animal
  • Hemisphere: Southern
  • Size: 482 square degrees of the sky
  • Visibility: Winter
  • Visible between latitudes: 75 and -85 degrees
  • Asterism: 7 stars
  • Part of the Orion constellation family
monoceros constellation

Monoceros in the night sky

Monoceros, the 35th largest constellation in the sky, can be easily located at the following celestial coordinates: Right Ascension: 7.15 hours and Declination: −5.74°, within the celestial quadrant NQ2. To catch the best view of Monoceros, look towards the northern sky during the winter season, specifically in the month of February.

Monoceros’ bordering constellations are Canis Major, Canis Minor, Gemini, Hydra, Lepus, Orion, and Puppis.

Noteworthy deep-sky objects in Monoceros

The constellation Monoceros, though not marked by bright stars, is known for its intriguing deep-sky objects. Its brightest star, Beta Monocerotis, is actually a triple star system and is not visible to the naked eye. 

Among the most notable deep-sky objects within Monoceros is the Rosette Nebula, a vast stellar nursery visible with amateur telescopes. Messier 50, an open cluster, adds to Monoceros’ allure, providing a field of stars that can be resolved with modest optical aid.

Ophiuchus

  • Name: Ophiuchus (Oph)
  • Meaning: Snake Bearer
  • Pronunciation: (OH-fee-U-kus)
  • Shape: Humanoid
  • Hemisphere: Southern
  • Size: 948 square degrees of the sky
  • Visibility: Spring
  • Visible between latitudes: 80 and -80 degrees
  • Asterism: 7 stars
  • Part of the Hercules constellation family
ophiuchus constellation

Ophiuchus in the night sky

Ophiuchus, the 11th largest constellation in the sky, occupies an area of 948 square degrees. It is located in the third quadrant of the southern hemisphere (SQ3) and can be seen at latitudes between +80° and -80°. The constellation’s celestial coordinates are Right Ascension: 17h and Declination: −8°​​​​. To catch the best view of Ophiuchus, look towards the southern sky at 21:00 (9 p.m.) during the summer season, specifically in the month of July​​.

Ophiuchus’ bordering constellations are Aquila, Hercules, Libra, Sagittarius, Scorpius, and Serpens​​.

Noteworthy deep-sky objects in Ophiuchus

The constellation’s brightest stars include α Ophiuchi (Rasalhague) at magnitude 2.07, and η Ophiuchi (Sabik) at magnitude 2.43. Other bright stars include β Ophiuchi (Cebalrai) and λ Ophiuchi (Marfik)​​. Famous deep sky objects in Ophiuchus include several star clusters, such as IC 4665, NGC 6633, M9, M10, M12, M14, M19, M62, and M107, as well as the nebula IC 4603-4604

Orion - The Hunter

  • Name: Orion (Ori)
  • Meaning: The hunter
  • Pronunciation: (oh-RY-un)
  • Shape: Humanoid
  • Hemisphere: Southern
  • Size: 594 square degrees of the sky
  • Visibility: Winter
  • Visible between latitudes: 85 and -75 degrees
  • Asterism: 18 stars
  • Part of the Orion constellation family
orion constellation

Orion in the night sky

Orion, the 26th largest constellation in the sky, can be easily located at the following celestial coordinates: Right Ascension: between 04h 43.3m and 06h 25.5m, and Declination: between +22.87° and -10.97°, within the celestial quadrant NQ1 (Northern Hemisphere, first quadrant). To catch the best view of Orion, look towards the southern sky during the winter season, specifically in the months of January to April.

Orion’s bordering constellations are Taurus, Eridanus, Lepus, Monoceros, and Gemini.

Noteworthy deep-sky objects in Orion

The constellation’s brightest stars are Rigel (β Orionis) and Betelgeuse (α Orionis). Notable deep-sky objects in Orion include the Orion Nebula (M42), the Horsehead Nebula, and Barnard’s Loop.

Pisces - The Fishes

  • Name: Pisces (Psc)
  • Meaning: The fishes
  • Pronunciation: (PY-seez)
  • Shape: Animal
  • Hemisphere: Southern
  • Size: 889 square degrees of the sky
  • Visibility: Autumn
  • Visible between latitudes: 90 and -65 degrees
  • Asterism: 18 stars
  • Part of the Zodiac constellation family
pisces constellation

Pisces in the night sky

Pisces, the 14th largest constellation in the sky with an area of 889 square degrees, can be easily located at the following celestial coordinates: Right Ascension: 1^h and Declination: +15°, within the celestial quadrant NQ1. To catch the best view of Pisces, look towards the eastern sky during the autumn season, specifically in the month of November.

Pisces’ bordering constellations are Triangulum, Andromeda, Pegasus, Aquarius, Cetus, and Aries.

Noteworthy deep-sky objects in Pisces

The constellation’s brightest stars are Alpherg (η Psc) with a magnitude of 3.62 and Alrescha (α Psc) with a magnitude of 3.62. Notable deep-sky objects in Pisces include M74, a loosely wound spiral galaxy located at a distance of 30 million light years; NGC 488, an isolated face-on prototypical spiral galaxy; NGC 520, a pair of colliding galaxies located 105 million light-years away; and CL 0024+1654, a massive galaxy cluster that lenses the galaxy behind it​​​​​​.

Serpens - The Serpent

  • Name: Serpens (Ser)
  • Meaning: Serpent
  • Pronunciation: (SER-penz)
  • Shape: Animal
  • Hemisphere: Southern
  • Size: 637 square degrees of the sky
  • Visibility: Summer
  • Visible between latitudes: 80 and -80 degrees
  • Asterism: 7 stars
  • Part of the Hercules constellation family
serpens constelaltion

Serpens in the night sky

Serpens, the 23rd largest constellation in the sky, is rather unique because it is split in 2. It can be easily located at the following celestial coordinates: Serpens Caput: RA between 15h 10.4m and 16h 22.5m and declination: 25.66° to −03.72°. Serpens Cauda: RA: 17h 16.9m to 18h 58.3m ​​and declination: 06.42° to −16.14°. To catch the best view of Serpens, look towards the southern sky during the summer season, specifically in the month of July​.

Serpens’ bordering constellations are Corona Borealis, Boötes, Virgo, Libra, Ophiuchus, Hercules, Aquila, and Sagittarius​.

Noteworthy deep-sky objects in Serpens

The constellation’s brightest star is Alpha Serpentis, or Unukalhai, with an apparent magnitude of 2.63. Notable deep-sky objects in Serpens include the globular cluster Messier 5 and the variables R Serpentis and Tau 4 Serpentis. Other extragalactic objects of note are Seyfert’s Sextet, Arp 220, and Hoag’s Object​​.

Sextans - The Sextant

  • Name: Sextans (Sex)
  • Meaning: Sextant
  • Pronunciation: (SEKS-tunz)
  • Shape: Object
  • Hemisphere: Southern
  • Size: 314 square degrees of the sky
  • Visibility: Spring
  • Visible between latitudes: 80 and -80 degrees
  • Asterism: 2 stars
  • Part of the Hercules constellation family
sextans constellation

Sextans in the night sky

Sextans, the 47th largest constellation in the sky, can be easily located at the following celestial coordinates: Right Ascension: between 09h 41m 04.8653s and 10h 51m 30.2447s, and Declination: between 6.4327669° and −11.6621428°, within the celestial quadrant SQ2.

To catch the best view of Sextans, look towards the southern sky during the spring season, specifically in the month of April​.

Sextans’ bordering constellations are Leo, Hydra, and Crater.

Noteworthy deep-sky objects in Sextans

The constellation’s brightest star is Alpha Sextantis, with a magnitude of 4.49. Sextans contains a few double stars, including γ, 35, and 40 Sextantis. Notable variable stars in this constellation include β, 25, 23 Sextantis, and LHS 292. NGC 3115, an edge-on lenticular galaxy, is the only noteworthy deep-sky object in Sextans​.

Taurus - The Bull

  • Name: Taurus (Tau)
  • Meaning: Taurus
  • Pronunciation: (TOR-us)
  • Shape: Animal
  • Hemisphere: Both
  • Size: 797 square degrees of the sky
  • Visibility: Winter
  • Visible between latitudes: 90 and -65 degrees
  • Asterism: 11 stars
  • Part of the Zodiac constellation family
taurus constellation

Taurus in the night sky

Taurus, the 17th largest constellation in the sky, can be easily located at the following celestial coordinates: Right Ascension: 4.9h and Declination: 19°, within the celestial quadrant NQ1. To catch the best view of Taurus, look towards the northern hemisphere’s winter sky during the month of January​.

Taurus’ bordering constellations are Auriga, Perseus, Aries, Cetus, Eridanus, Orion, and Gemini​.

Noteworthy deep-sky objects in Taurus

The constellation’s brightest star is Aldebaran, with an apparent magnitude of 0.85. Notable deep-sky objects in Taurus include the Pleiades and Hyades open clusters, and the Crab Nebula (Messier 1), a supernova remnant containing a pulsar. Taurus also hosts the Taurus-Auriga complex, one of the closest regions of active star formation​

Virgo - The Virgin

  • Name: Virgo (Vir)
  • Meaning: Virgin
  • Pronunciation: (VER-goh)
  • Shape: Humanoid
  • Hemisphere: Southern
  • Size: 1294 square degrees of the sky
  • Visibility: Autumn
  • Visible between latitudes: 80 and -80 degrees
  • Asterism: 12 stars
  • Part of the Zodiac constellation family
virgo constellation

Virgo in the night sky

Virgo, the 2nd largest constellation in the sky, can be easily located at the following celestial coordinates: Right Ascension: 13h and Declination: −4°, within the celestial quadrant SQ3. To catch the best view of Virgo, look towards the southern sky during the spring season, specifically in the month of May​​​.

Virgo’s bordering constellations are Leo, Libra, Serpens Caput, Coma Berenices, Boötes, and Crater.

Noteworthy deep-sky objects in Virgo

The constellation’s brightest stars include Spica, Porrima, Auva, and Heze. Notable deep-sky objects in Virgo include the Sombrero Galaxy (M104), an edge-on spiral galaxy, and the first identified quasar, 3C 273, which is also the optically brightest quasar in the sky.

Tom Urbain

Written by Tom Urbain

 I’ve been fascinated by space and astronomy from a very young age. When I’m not watching space-themed documentaries, movies or TV series, I spend most of my free time in my backyard admiring the planets and galaxies with my telescope.

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