Hercules
Where is Hercules?
Look west, about 51° up at 20:20. It sinks lower through the evening and sets at 02:28.
- Rises
- 08:32
- Highest
- 17:32
- Sets
- 02:28
- Best after dark
- 20:20 · 51°
How to find Hercules
Nearby constellations include Lyra, Corona Borealis, Serpens and Ophiuchus.
Its center is at right ascension 17h 28m, declination +28°. 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 Hercules
Hercules 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 89° N to 32° S.
From London tonight, Hercules is above the horizon after dark. It’s highest soon after dark, around 20:20, in the west at 51°.
This is position and timing only: clouds, haze and light pollution aren’t included.
Seeing Hercules
Eyes
Its stars are fairly faint (the brightest, its alpha star, is mag 2.8). 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
Hercules (genitive Herculis, abbreviated Her) is one of the 88 constellations recognized by the International Astronomical Union, which together cover the whole sky.
SkyMate’s web catalog includes 9 named stars and 2 deep-sky objects in Hercules.
Brightest stars and objects in Hercules
Questions
When is Hercules visible?
Can I see Hercules from where I live?
Sources: IAU; Wikidata (CC0); SkyMate. Positions computed for your place and time with astronomy-engine. Data & Licences