Lacerta constellation
Lacerta is one of the 88 constellations, and it represents the lizard. It is highest in the sky at midnight around August 28, and its whole figure rises above the horizon from 90°N to 38°S.
Lacerta at a glance
- Represents
- the lizard
- Highest at midnight
- August 28
- Highest at 9 pm
- October 12
- Seen whole from
- 90°N to 38°S
- Stars in the figure
- 6 stars
- Origin
- Johannes Hevelius, 1690
When to see Lacerta
Lacerta is highest in the sky at midnight around August 28 and at 9 pm around October 12. 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 | 2:50 p.m. |
| February 15 | 12:40 p.m. |
| March 15 | 10:50 a.m. |
| April 15 | 8:50 a.m. |
| May 15 | 6:50 a.m. |
| June 15 | 4:50 a.m. |
| July 15 | 2:50 a.m. |
| August 15 | 12:50 a.m. |
| September 15 | 10:50 p.m. |
| October 15 | 8:50 p.m. |
| November 15 | 6:50 p.m. |
| December 15 | 4:50 p.m. |
Where to look for Lacerta
From the northern hemisphere
From 40°N, Lacerta rises in the east and sets in the west. It is highest around midnight on August 28, almost overhead.
From the southern hemisphere
From 35°S, Lacerta rises in the east and sets in the west. It is highest around midnight on August 28, 8° above the northern horizon.
Brightest stars in Lacerta
None of the stars of Lacerta 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.
Lacerta in myth and history
The astronomer Johannes Hevelius added Lacerta in his star atlas of 1690.
Constellations next to Lacerta
Find Lacerta in your sky
Questions about Lacerta
Lacerta is highest in the sky at midnight around August 28 and at 9 pm around October 12. The weeks around those dates are the best time to look.
The whole figure of Lacerta rises above the horizon from 90°N to 38°S, and at least part of it rises from 90°N to 52°S.
Lacerta represents the lizard. The astronomer Johannes Hevelius added Lacerta in his star atlas of 1690.