Lynx constellation

Lynx is one of the 88 constellations, and it represents the lynx. It is highest in the sky at midnight around 28 January, and its whole figure rises above the horizon from 90°N to 31°S.

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Lynx at a glance

Represents
the lynx
Highest at midnight
28 January
Highest at 9 pm
13 March
Seen whole from
90°N to 31°S
Stars in the figure
8 stars
Origin
Johannes Hevelius, 1690

When to see Lynx

Lynx is highest in the sky at midnight around 28 January and at 9 pm around 13 March. 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 Lynx is highest each month
DateHighest at
15 January12:50 AM
15 February10:40 PM
15 March8:50 PM
15 April6:50 PM
15 May4:50 PM
15 June2:50 PM
15 July12:50 PM
15 August10:50 AM
15 September8:50 AM
15 October6:50 AM
15 November4:50 AM
15 December2:50 AM

Where to look for Lynx

From the northern hemisphere

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

From the southern hemisphere

From 35°S, only part of Lynx rises. Its centre is highest around midnight on 28 January, 9° above the northern horizon.

Brightest stars in Lynx

None of the stars of Lynx 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 3.

Lynx in myth and history

The astronomer Johannes Hevelius added Lynx in his star atlas of 1690.

Constellations next to Lynx

Find Lynx in your sky

Questions about Lynx