Aquila constellation
Aquila is one of the 88 constellations, and it represents the eagle. It is highest in the sky at midnight around July 16, and its whole figure rises above the horizon from 85°N to 75°S.
Aquila at a glance
- Represents
- the eagle
- Highest at midnight
- July 16
- Highest at 9 pm
- August 30
- Seen whole from
- 85°N to 75°S
- Brightest star
- Altair
- Stars in the figure
- 9 stars
- Origin
- Ptolemy's list, 2nd century
When to see Aquila
Aquila is highest in the sky at midnight around July 16 and at 9 pm around August 30. Each month it is highest about two hours earlier than the month before.
The times are local solar time. Clocks on daylight saving time read about one hour later.
| Date | Highest at |
|---|---|
| January 15 | 12:00 p.m. |
| February 15 | 9:50 a.m. |
| March 15 | 8:00 a.m. |
| April 15 | 6:00 a.m. |
| May 15 | 4:00 a.m. |
| June 15 | 2:00 a.m. |
| July 15 | 12:00 a.m. |
| August 15 | 10:00 p.m. |
| September 15 | 8:00 p.m. |
| October 15 | 6:00 p.m. |
| November 15 | 4:00 p.m. |
| December 15 | 2:00 p.m. |
Where to look for Aquila
From the northern hemisphere
From 40°N, Aquila rises in the east and sets in the west. It is highest around midnight on July 16, 56° above the southern horizon.
From the southern hemisphere
From 35°S, Aquila rises in the east and sets in the west. It is highest around midnight on July 16, 49° above the northern horizon.
Brightest stars in Aquila
| Star | Magnitude |
|---|---|
| Altair | 0.76 |
Aquila in myth and history
In Greek myth, the eagle carried the thunderbolts of Zeus. In one story it also carried the young Ganymede up to Mount Olympus.
Aquila is one of the 48 constellations that the astronomer Ptolemy listed in the 2nd century.
Constellations next to Aquila
Find Aquila in your sky
Questions about Aquila
Aquila is highest in the sky at midnight around July 16 and at 9 pm around August 30. The weeks around those dates are the best time to look.
The whole figure of Aquila rises above the horizon from 85°N to 75°S, and at least part of it rises everywhere on Earth.
Altair is the brightest star in Aquila, at magnitude 0.76.
Aquila represents the eagle. Aquila is one of the 48 constellations that the astronomer Ptolemy listed in the 2nd century.