Cygnus constellation
Cygnus is one of the 88 constellations, and it represents the swan. It is highest in the sky at midnight around July 28, and its whole figure rises above the horizon from 90°N to 37°S.
Cygnus at a glance
- Represents
- the swan
- Highest at midnight
- July 28
- Highest at 9 pm
- September 10
- Seen whole from
- 90°N to 37°S
- Brightest star
- Deneb
- Stars in the figure
- 10 stars
- Origin
- Ptolemy's list, 2nd century
When to see Cygnus
Cygnus is highest in the sky at midnight around July 28 and at 9 pm around September 10. 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 | 12:40 p.m. |
| February 15 | 10:40 a.m. |
| March 15 | 8:50 a.m. |
| April 15 | 6:50 a.m. |
| May 15 | 4:50 a.m. |
| June 15 | 2:50 a.m. |
| July 15 | 12:50 a.m. |
| August 15 | 10:40 p.m. |
| September 15 | 8:40 p.m. |
| October 15 | 6:40 p.m. |
| November 15 | 4:40 p.m. |
| December 15 | 2:40 p.m. |
Where to look for Cygnus
From the northern hemisphere
From 40°N, Cygnus rises in the east and sets in the west. It is highest around midnight on July 28, almost overhead.
From the southern hemisphere
From 35°S, Cygnus rises in the east and sets in the west. It is highest around midnight on July 28, 15° above the northern horizon.
Brightest stars in Cygnus
Cygnus in myth and history
In Greek myth, the swan is usually said to be Zeus in disguise, on his way to visit Leda, the queen of Sparta.
Cygnus is one of the 48 constellations that the astronomer Ptolemy listed in the 2nd century.
Constellations next to Cygnus
Find Cygnus in your sky
Questions about Cygnus
Cygnus is highest in the sky at midnight around July 28 and at 9 pm around September 10. The weeks around those dates are the best time to look.
The whole figure of Cygnus rises above the horizon from 90°N to 37°S, and at least part of it rises from 90°N to 62°S.
Deneb is the brightest star in Cygnus, at magnitude 1.25.
Cygnus represents the swan. Cygnus is one of the 48 constellations that the astronomer Ptolemy listed in the 2nd century.