Capricornus constellation
Capricornus is one of the 88 constellations, and it represents the sea goat. It is highest in the sky at midnight around August 8, and its whole figure rises above the horizon from 63°N to 90°S.
Capricornus at a glance
- Represents
- the sea goat
- Highest at midnight
- August 8
- Highest at 9 pm
- September 22
- Seen whole from
- 63°N to 90°S
- Stars in the figure
- 9 stars
- Origin
- Ptolemy's list, 2nd century
- Zodiac sign
- Capricorn
When to see Capricornus
Capricornus is highest in the sky at midnight around August 8 and at 9 pm around September 22. 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 |
|---|---|
| January 15 | 1:30 PM |
| February 15 | 11:20 AM |
| March 15 | 9:30 AM |
| April 15 | 7:30 AM |
| May 15 | 5:30 AM |
| June 15 | 3:30 AM |
| July 15 | 1:30 AM |
| August 15 | 11:30 PM |
| September 15 | 9:30 PM |
| October 15 | 7:30 PM |
| November 15 | 5:30 PM |
| December 15 | 3:30 PM |
Where to look for Capricornus
From the northern hemisphere
From 40°N, Capricornus rises in the east and sets in the west. It is highest around midnight on August 8, 31° above the southern horizon.
From the southern hemisphere
From 35°S, Capricornus rises in the east and sets in the west. It is highest around midnight on August 8, 74° above the northern horizon.
Brightest stars in Capricornus
None of the stars of Capricornus 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.
Capricornus in myth and history
Capricornus is one of the 48 constellations that the astronomer Ptolemy listed in the 2nd century.
Capricornus and the zodiac
In 2026, the Sun is in front of the stars of Capricornus from January 20 to February 16. The zodiac sign Capricorn covers other dates, because astrologers split the year into 12 equal signs that start at the March equinox.
Constellations next to Capricornus
Find Capricornus in your sky
Questions about Capricornus
Capricornus is highest in the sky at midnight around August 8 and at 9 pm around September 22. The weeks around those dates are the best time to look.
The whole figure of Capricornus rises above the horizon from 63°N to 90°S, and at least part of it rises from 78°N to 90°S.
Capricornus represents the sea goat. Capricornus is one of the 48 constellations that the astronomer Ptolemy listed in the 2nd century.
Yes. The Sun is in front of Capricornus from January 20 to February 16 in 2026, and the zodiac sign Capricorn is named after it.