Auriga constellation
Auriga is one of the 88 constellations, and it represents the charioteer. It is highest in the sky at midnight around December 13, and its whole figure rises above the horizon from 90°N to 44°S.
Auriga at a glance
- Represents
- the charioteer
- Highest at midnight
- December 13
- Highest at 9 pm
- January 27
- Seen whole from
- 90°N to 44°S
- Brightest star
- Capella
- Stars in the figure
- 6 stars
- Origin
- Ptolemy's list, 2nd century
When to see Auriga
Auriga is highest in the sky at midnight around December 13 and at 9 pm around January 27. 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 | 9:50 p.m. |
| February 15 | 7:40 p.m. |
| March 15 | 5:50 p.m. |
| April 15 | 3:50 p.m. |
| May 15 | 2:00 p.m. |
| June 15 | 11:50 a.m. |
| July 15 | 10:00 a.m. |
| August 15 | 7:50 a.m. |
| September 15 | 5:50 a.m. |
| October 15 | 3:50 a.m. |
| November 15 | 1:50 a.m. |
| December 15 | 11:50 p.m. |
Where to look for Auriga
From the northern hemisphere
From 40°N, Auriga rises in the east and sets in the west. It is highest around midnight on December 13, almost overhead.
From the southern hemisphere
From 35°S, Auriga rises in the east and sets in the west. It is highest around midnight on December 13, 16° above the northern horizon.
Brightest stars in Auriga
| Star | Magnitude |
|---|---|
| Capella | 0.08 |
| Menkalinan | 1.90 |
Auriga in myth and history
Auriga is one of the 48 constellations that the astronomer Ptolemy listed in the 2nd century.
Constellations next to Auriga
Find Auriga in your sky
Questions about Auriga
Auriga is highest in the sky at midnight around December 13 and at 9 pm around January 27. The weeks around those dates are the best time to look.
The whole figure of Auriga rises above the horizon from 90°N to 44°S, and at least part of it rises from 90°N to 61°S.
Capella is the brightest star in Auriga, at magnitude 0.08.
Auriga represents the charioteer. Auriga is one of the 48 constellations that the astronomer Ptolemy listed in the 2nd century.