Constellation · best in January evenings

Auriga

The Charioteer · Genitive Aurigae · Aur

Above the horizon after darkHighest after dark 05:17 · southeast · 77°

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Where is Auriga?

Times for LondonChange city

Look southeast, about 77° up at 05:17.

Rises: Always up
Highest: 05:56
Sets: Never
Best after dark: 05:17 · 77°

How to find Auriga

Start with Capella, Auriga’s brightest star (mag 0.1). Nearby constellations include Gemini, Lynx, Taurus and Camelopardalis.

Its center is at right ascension 5h 53m, declination +40°. Use the chart above: north is up and east is to the left, as when you face south from the Northern Hemisphere.

Brightest star: Capella

Best time to see Auriga

Auriga is highest in the evening sky, around 10 pm, in January. 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 90° N to 32° S.

From London tonight, Auriga is above the horizon after dark. It’s highest just before dawn, around 05:17, in the southeast at 77°.

This is position and timing only: clouds, haze and light pollution aren’t included.

Seeing Auriga

Eyes

Its brightest star, Capella, 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.

What you’re likely to see, not what a space telescope photographs. General guidance from catalog brightness and size, not a forecast for tonight.

About

Auriga (genitive Aurigae, abbreviated Aur) is one of the 88 constellations recognized by the International Astronomical Union, which together cover the whole sky. Its brightest star is Capella, magnitude 0.1.

SkyMate’s web catalog includes 3 named stars and 3 deep-sky objects in Auriga.

Brightest stars and objects in Auriga

Questions

What is the brightest star in Auriga?

Capella, at magnitude 0.1.

When is Auriga visible?

Auriga is highest in the evening sky, around 10 pm, in January. In the months either side it is still well placed, earlier or later in the night.

Can I see Auriga from where I live?

All of Auriga rises above the horizon from latitudes of about 90° N to 32° S. Outside that range, part or all of it stays below the horizon.

Star in itCapella Star in itMenkalinan Star in itMahasim Another constellationAndromeda Another constellationAntlia GuideStargazing for beginners

Sources: IAU; Wikidata (CC0); SkyMate. Positions computed for your place and time with astronomy-engine. Data & Licences