Lacerta
Where is Lacerta?
Look south, about 84° up at 22:34.
- Rises
- Always up
- Highest
- 22:37
- Sets
- Never
- Best after dark
- 22:34 · 84°
How to find Lacerta
Nearby constellations include Cygnus, Andromeda, Pegasus and Cepheus.
Its center is at right ascension 22h 34m, declination +45°. 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 Lacerta
Lacerta is highest in the evening sky, around 10 pm, in September. 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 33° S.
From London tonight, Lacerta is above the horizon all night. It’s highest after dark at 22:34, in the south at 84°.
This is position and timing only: clouds, haze and light pollution aren’t included.
Seeing Lacerta
Eyes
Its stars are fairly faint (the brightest, its alpha star, is mag 3.8). 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
Lacerta (genitive Lacertae, abbreviated Lac) is one of the 88 constellations recognized by the International Astronomical Union, which together cover the whole sky.
Questions
When is Lacerta visible?
Can I see Lacerta from where I live?
Sources: IAU; Wikidata (CC0); SkyMate. Positions computed for your place and time with astronomy-engine. Data & Licences