Cygnus constellation

Cygnus is one of the 88 constellations, and it represents the swan. It is highest in the sky at midnight around 28 July, and its whole figure rises above the horizon from 90°N to 37°S.

DenebSadrMake a star map with constellations

Cygnus at a glance

Represents
the swan
Highest at midnight
28 July
Highest at 9 pm
10 September
Seen whole from
90°N to 37°S
Brightest star
Deneb
Stars in the figure
10 stars
Origin
Ptolemy's list, 2nd century

When to see Cygnus

Cygnus is highest in the sky at midnight around 28 July and at 9 pm around 10 September. Each month it is highest about two hours earlier than the month before.

The times are local solar time. Clocks on summer time or daylight saving time read about one hour later.

When Cygnus is highest each month
DateHighest at
15 January12:40 PM
15 February10:40 AM
15 March8:50 AM
15 April6:50 AM
15 May4:50 AM
15 June2:50 AM
15 July12:50 AM
15 August10:40 PM
15 September8:40 PM
15 October6:40 PM
15 November4:40 PM
15 December2:40 PM

Where to look for Cygnus

From the northern hemisphere

From 40°N, Cygnus rises in the east and sets in the west. It is highest around midnight on 28 July, almost overhead.

From the southern hemisphere

From 35°S, Cygnus rises in the east and sets in the west. It is highest around midnight on 28 July, 15° above the northern horizon.

Brightest stars in Cygnus

The brightest stars in Cygnus
StarMagnitude
Deneb1.25
Sadr2.23

Cygnus in myth and history

In Greek myth, the swan is usually said to be Zeus in disguise, on his way to visit Leda, the queen of Sparta.

Cygnus is one of the 48 constellations that the astronomer Ptolemy listed in the 2nd century.

Constellations next to Cygnus

Find Cygnus in your sky

Questions about Cygnus