Draco
Where is Draco?
Look northwest, about 63° up at 20:20.
- Rises
- Always up
- Highest
- 17:22
- Sets
- Never
- Best after dark
- 20:20 · 63°
How to find Draco
Nearby constellations include Ursa Minor, Cepheus, Cygnus and Hercules.
Its center is at right ascension 17h 19m, declination +68°. 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 Draco
Draco is highest in the evening sky, around 10 pm, in July. 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 0° N.
From London tonight, Draco is above the horizon all night. It’s highest soon after dark, around 20:20, in the northwest at 63°.
This is position and timing only: clouds, haze and light pollution aren’t included.
Seeing Draco
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
Draco (genitive Draconis, abbreviated Dra) 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 in Draco.
Brightest stars and objects in Draco
Questions
When is Draco visible?
Can I see Draco from where I live?
Sources: IAU; Wikidata (CC0); SkyMate. Positions computed for your place and time with astronomy-engine. Data & Licences