Hercules constellation

Hercules is one of the 88 constellations, and it represents the hero Hercules. It is highest in the sky at midnight around 9 June, and its whole figure rises above the horizon from 90°N to 44°S.

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Hercules at a glance

Represents
the hero Hercules
Highest at midnight
9 June
Highest at 9 pm
24 July
Seen whole from
90°N to 44°S
Stars in the figure
18 stars
Origin
Ptolemy's list, 2nd century

When to see Hercules

Hercules is highest in the sky at midnight around 9 June and at 9 pm around 24 July. 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 Hercules is highest each month
DateHighest at
15 January9:30 AM
15 February7:30 AM
15 March5:40 AM
15 April3:40 AM
15 May1:40 AM
15 June11:30 PM
15 July9:30 PM
15 August7:30 PM
15 September5:30 PM
15 October3:30 PM
15 November1:30 PM
15 December11:30 AM

Where to look for Hercules

From the northern hemisphere

From 40°N, Hercules rises in the east and sets in the west. It is highest around midnight on 9 June, almost overhead.

From the southern hemisphere

From 35°S, Hercules rises in the east and sets in the west. It is highest around midnight on 9 June, 21° above the northern horizon.

Brightest stars in Hercules

None of the stars of Hercules is brighter than magnitude 2.3, so it is best seen from a dark place away from city lights. Its brightest stick-figure stars are about magnitude 2.

Hercules in myth and history

Hercules is the Greek hero Heracles, best known for his twelve labours. He is drawn kneeling, with one foot on the head of Draco, the dragon.

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

Constellations next to Hercules

Find Hercules in your sky

Questions about Hercules