Lyra
Where is Lyra?
Look southwest, about 69° up at 20:20. It sinks lower through the evening and sets at 05:29.
- Rises
- 08:24
- Highest
- 18:59
- Sets
- 05:29
- Best after dark
- 20:20 · 69°
How to find Lyra
Start with Vega, Lyra’s brightest star (mag 0.0). Nearby constellations include Vulpecula, Cygnus and Hercules.
Its center is at right ascension 18h 55m, declination +36°. 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 Lyra
Lyra 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 42° S.
From London tonight, Lyra is above the horizon after dark. It’s highest soon after dark, around 20:20, in the southwest at 69°.
This is position and timing only: clouds, haze and light pollution aren’t included.
Seeing Lyra
Eyes
Its brightest star, Vega, 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
Lyra (genitive Lyrae, abbreviated Lyr) is one of the 88 constellations recognized by the International Astronomical Union, which together cover the whole sky. Its brightest star is Vega, magnitude 0.0.
SkyMate’s web catalog includes 4 named stars and 2 deep-sky objects in Lyra.
Brightest stars and objects in Lyra
Questions
What is the brightest star in Lyra?
When is Lyra visible?
Can I see Lyra from where I live?
Sources: IAU; Wikidata (CC0); SkyMate. Positions computed for your place and time with astronomy-engine. Data & Licences