Aquila
Where is Aquila?
Look south, about 41° up at 20:20. It sinks lower through the evening and sets at 02:00.
- Rises
- 13:20
- Highest
- 19:40
- Sets
- 02:00
- Best after dark
- 20:20 · 41°
How to find Aquila
Start with Altair, Aquila’s brightest star (mag 0.8). Nearby constellations include Sagitta, Delphinus and Vulpecula.
Its center is at right ascension 19h 36m, declination +3°. Use the chart above: north is up and east is to the left, as when you face south from the Northern Hemisphere.
Best time to see Aquila
Aquila is highest in the evening sky, around 10 pm, in August. A month or two either side it is still well placed, earlier or later in the night. All of it rises above the horizon from latitudes of about 77° N to 70° S.
From London tonight, Aquila is above the horizon after dark. It’s highest soon after dark, around 20:20, in the south at 41°.
This is position and timing only: clouds, haze and light pollution aren’t included.
Seeing Aquila
Eyes
Its brightest star, Altair, is easy to see. Tracing the whole pattern is easier away from bright lights.
Binoculars
Binoculars show many more stars than your eye, and bring out star clusters and brighter nebulae inside it.
Telescope
The constellation is far too large for a telescope’s view. Use one for the clusters, nebulae and galaxies inside it.
About
Aquila (genitive Aquilae, abbreviated Aql) is one of the 88 constellations recognized by the International Astronomical Union, which together cover the whole sky. Its brightest star is Altair, magnitude 0.8.
SkyMate’s web catalog includes 4 named stars in Aquila.
Brightest stars and objects in Aquila
Questions
What is the brightest star in Aquila?
When is Aquila visible?
Can I see Aquila from where I live?
Sources: IAU; Wikidata (CC0); SkyMate. Positions computed for your place and time with astronomy-engine. Data & Licences