Constellation · best in December evenings

Eridanus

Genitive Eridani · Eri

Above the horizon after darkHighest after dark 03:59 · south · 20°

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Where is Eridanus?

Times for LondonChange city

Look south, about 20° up at 03:59.

Rises: 23:35
Highest: 03:56
Sets: 08:17
Best after dark: 03:59 · 20°

How to find Eridanus

Start with Achernar, Eridanus’s brightest star (mag 0.5). Nearby constellations include Fornax, Caelum, Lepus and Columba.

Its center is at right ascension 3h 54m, declination −19°. Use the chart above: north is up and east is to the left, as when you face south from the Northern Hemisphere.

Brightest star: Achernar

Best time to see Eridanus

Eridanus is highest in the evening sky, around 10 pm, in December. 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 25° N to 63° S.

From London tonight, Eridanus is above the horizon after dark. It’s highest after dark at 03:59, in the south at 20°.

This is position and timing only: clouds, haze and light pollution aren’t included.

Seeing Eridanus

Eyes

Its brightest star, Achernar, 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.

What you’re likely to see, not what a space telescope photographs. General guidance from catalog brightness and size, not a forecast for tonight.

About

Eridanus (genitive Eridani, abbreviated Eri) is one of the 88 constellations recognized by the International Astronomical Union, which together cover the whole sky. Its brightest star is Achernar, magnitude 0.5.

SkyMate’s web catalog includes 2 named stars in Eridanus.

Brightest stars and objects in Eridanus

Questions

What is the brightest star in Eridanus?

Achernar, at magnitude 0.5.

When is Eridanus visible?

Eridanus is highest in the evening sky, around 10 pm, in December. In the months either side it is still well placed, earlier or later in the night.

Can I see Eridanus from where I live?

All of Eridanus rises above the horizon from latitudes of about 25° N to 63° S. Outside that range, part or all of it stays below the horizon.

Star in itAchernar Star in itAcamar Another constellationAndromeda Another constellationAntlia GuideStargazing for beginners ToolMoon phase & visibility tool

Sources: IAU; Wikidata (CC0); SkyMate. Positions computed for your place and time with astronomy-engine. Data & Licences