Lynx constellation

Lynx is one of the 88 constellations, and it represents the lynx. It is highest in the sky at midnight around January 28, 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
January 28
Highest at 9 pm
March 13
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 January 28 and at 9 pm around March 13. 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
January 1512:50 AM
February 1510:40 PM
March 158:50 PM
April 156:50 PM
May 154:50 PM
June 152:50 PM
July 1512:50 PM
August 1510:50 AM
September 158:50 AM
October 156:50 AM
November 154:50 AM
December 152:50 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 January 28, almost overhead.

From the southern hemisphere

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