Delphinus
Where is Delphinus?
Look south, about 52° up at 20:42. It sinks lower through the evening and sets at 03:56.
- Rises
- 13:32
- Highest
- 20:44
- Sets
- 03:56
- Best after dark
- 20:42 · 52°
How to find Delphinus
Start with Rotanev, Delphinus’s brightest star (mag 3.6). Nearby constellations include Equuleus, Vulpecula, Sagitta and Aquila.
Its center is at right ascension 20h 40m, declination +13°. 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 Delphinus
Delphinus 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 66° S.
From London tonight, Delphinus is above the horizon after dark. It’s highest soon after dark, around 20:42, in the south at 52°.
This is position and timing only: clouds, haze and light pollution aren’t included.
Seeing Delphinus
Eyes
Its stars are fairly faint (the brightest, Rotanev, 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
Delphinus (genitive Delphini, abbreviated Del) is one of the 88 constellations recognized by the International Astronomical Union, which together cover the whole sky. Its brightest star is Rotanev, magnitude 3.6.
SkyMate’s web catalog includes 3 named stars in Delphinus.
Brightest stars and objects in Delphinus
Questions
What is the brightest star in Delphinus?
When is Delphinus visible?
Can I see Delphinus from where I live?
Sources: IAU; Wikidata (CC0); SkyMate. Positions computed for your place and time with astronomy-engine. Data & Licences