Crater
Where is Crater?
Below the horizon after dark tonight. Rises 07:05.
- Rises
- 07:05
- Highest
- 11:25
- Sets
- 15:50
- Best after dark
- —
How to find Crater
Nearby constellations include Hydra, Corvus and Virgo.
Its center is at right ascension 11h 25m, declination −19°. 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 Crater
Crater is highest in the evening sky, around 10 pm, in April. 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 56° N to 90° S.
From London tonight, Crater isn’t above the horizon while the sky is dark. It rises at 07:05 and sets at 15:50, in daylight or twilight.
This is position and timing only: clouds, haze and light pollution aren’t included.
Seeing Crater
Eyes
Its stars are fairly faint (the brightest, its alpha star, is mag 3.6). You’ll need a sky away from bright lights to trace the pattern.
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
Crater (genitive Crateris, abbreviated Crt) is one of the 88 constellations recognized by the International Astronomical Union, which together cover the whole sky.
Questions
When is Crater visible?
Can I see Crater from where I live?
Sources: IAU; Wikidata (CC0); SkyMate. Positions computed for your place and time with astronomy-engine. Data & Licences