Constellation · best in December evenings

Reticulum

Genitive Reticuli · Ret

Not above the horizon after darkNever rises from London

Join the waitlistSkyMate is coming to iPhone

Where is Reticulum?

Times for LondonChange city

Below the horizon from London all the time.

Rises: Never
Highest: —
Sets: —
Best after dark: —

How to find Reticulum

Nearby constellations include Dorado, Horologium and Hydrus.

Its center is at right ascension 3h 59m, declination −62°. 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 Reticulum

Reticulum 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 19° N to 90° S.

Reticulum never rises from London: it is too far south in the sky for this latitude.

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

Seeing Reticulum

Eyes

Its stars are fairly faint (the brightest, its alpha star, is mag 3.4). 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.

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

Reticulum (genitive Reticuli, abbreviated Ret) is one of the 88 constellations recognized by the International Astronomical Union, which together cover the whole sky.

Questions

When is Reticulum visible?

Reticulum 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 Reticulum from where I live?

All of Reticulum rises above the horizon from latitudes of about 19° N to 90° S. Outside that range, part or all of it stays below the horizon.

Another constellationAndromeda Another constellationAntlia GuideStargazing for beginners ToolMoon phase & visibility tool Browse allConstellations What's up tonightTonight

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