Cetus
Where is Cetus?
Look south, about 30° up at 01:33.
- Rises
- 20:19
- Highest
- 01:36
- Sets
- 06:53
- Best after dark
- 01:33 · 30°
How to find Cetus
Nearby constellations include Pisces, Sculptor, Fornax and Eridanus.
Its center is at right ascension 1h 34m, declination −9°. 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 Cetus
Cetus is highest in the evening sky, around 10 pm, in November. 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 51° N to 69° S.
From London tonight, Cetus is above the horizon after dark. It’s highest after dark at 01:33, in the south at 30°.
This is position and timing only: clouds, haze and light pollution aren’t included.
Seeing Cetus
Eyes
Its brightest star, undefined, 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
Cetus (genitive Ceti, abbreviated Cet) is one of the 88 constellations recognized by the International Astronomical Union, which together cover the whole sky.
SkyMate’s web catalog includes 3 named stars and 1 deep-sky object in Cetus.
Brightest stars and objects in Cetus
Questions
When is Cetus visible?
Can I see Cetus from where I live?
Sources: IAU; Wikidata (CC0); SkyMate. Positions computed for your place and time with astronomy-engine. Data & Licences