Monoceros constellation
Monoceros is one of the 88 constellations, and it represents the unicorn. It is highest in the sky at midnight around 4 January, and its whole figure rises above the horizon from 80°N to 85°S.
Monoceros at a glance
- Represents
- the unicorn
- Highest at midnight
- 4 January
- Highest at 9 pm
- 18 February
- Seen whole from
- 80°N to 85°S
- Stars in the figure
- 7 stars
- Origin
- 16th or 17th century
When to see Monoceros
Monoceros is highest in the sky at midnight around 4 January and at 9 pm around 18 February. 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.
| Date | Highest at |
|---|---|
| 15 January | 11:10 PM |
| 15 February | 9:10 PM |
| 15 March | 7:20 PM |
| 15 April | 5:20 PM |
| 15 May | 3:20 PM |
| 15 June | 1:20 PM |
| 15 July | 11:20 AM |
| 15 August | 9:20 AM |
| 15 September | 7:20 AM |
| 15 October | 5:20 AM |
| 15 November | 3:20 AM |
| 15 December | 1:20 AM |
Where to look for Monoceros
From the northern hemisphere
From 40°N, Monoceros rises in the east and sets in the west. It is highest around midnight on 4 January, 47° above the southern horizon.
From the southern hemisphere
From 35°S, Monoceros rises in the east and sets in the west. It is highest around midnight on 4 January, 58° above the northern horizon.
Brightest stars in Monoceros
None of the stars of Monoceros 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.
Monoceros in myth and history
European astronomers added Monoceros in the 16th or 17th century.
Constellations next to Monoceros
Find Monoceros in your sky
Questions about Monoceros
Monoceros is highest in the sky at midnight around 4 January and at 9 pm around 18 February. The weeks around those dates are the best time to look.
The whole figure of Monoceros rises above the horizon from 80°N to 85°S, and at least part of it rises everywhere on Earth.
Monoceros represents the unicorn. European astronomers added Monoceros in the 16th or 17th century.