Lupus constellation

Lupus is one of the 88 constellations, and it represents the wolf. It is highest in the sky at midnight around 13 May, and its whole figure rises above the horizon from 38°N to 90°S.

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Lupus at a glance

Represents
the wolf
Highest at midnight
13 May
Highest at 9 pm
27 June
Seen whole from
38°N to 90°S
Stars in the figure
12 stars
Origin
Ptolemy's list, 2nd century

When to see Lupus

Lupus is highest in the sky at midnight around 13 May and at 9 pm around 27 June. 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 Lupus is highest each month
DateHighest at
15 January7:40 AM
15 February5:40 AM
15 March3:50 AM
15 April1:50 AM
15 May11:50 PM
15 June9:50 PM
15 July7:50 PM
15 August5:50 PM
15 September3:40 PM
15 October1:50 PM
15 November11:40 AM
15 December9:50 AM

Where to look for Lupus

From the northern hemisphere

From 40°N, only part of Lupus rises. Its centre is highest around midnight on 13 May, 7° above the southern horizon.

From the southern hemisphere

From 35°S, Lupus rises in the east and sets in the west. It is highest around midnight on 13 May, almost overhead.

Brightest stars in Lupus

None of the stars of Lupus 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.

Lupus in myth and history

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

Constellations next to Lupus

Find Lupus in your sky

Questions about Lupus