Cygnus
Where is Cygnus?
Look south, about 82° up at 20:31.
- Rises
- Always up
- Highest
- 20:33
- Sets
- Never
- Best after dark
- 20:31 · 82°
How to find Cygnus
Start with Deneb, Cygnus’s brightest star (mag 1.3). Nearby constellations include Vulpecula, Lyra, Lacerta and Cepheus.
Its center is at right ascension 20h 30m, declination +43°. 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 Cygnus
Cygnus 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 90° N to 24° S.
From London tonight, Cygnus is above the horizon all night. It’s highest soon after dark, around 20:31, in the south at 82°.
This is position and timing only: clouds, haze and light pollution aren’t included.
Seeing Cygnus
Eyes
Its brightest star, Deneb, 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
Cygnus (genitive Cygni, abbreviated Cyg) is one of the 88 constellations recognized by the International Astronomical Union, which together cover the whole sky. Its brightest star is Deneb, magnitude 1.3.
SkyMate’s web catalog includes 5 named stars and 2 deep-sky objects in Cygnus.
Brightest stars and objects in Cygnus
Questions
What is the brightest star in Cygnus?
When is Cygnus visible?
Can I see Cygnus from where I live?
Sources: IAU; Wikidata (CC0); SkyMate. Positions computed for your place and time with astronomy-engine. Data & Licences