Pegasus constellation
Pegasus is one of the 88 constellations, and it represents the winged horse. It is highest in the sky at midnight around September 2, and its whole figure rises above the horizon from 90°N to 57°S.
Pegasus at a glance
- Represents
- the winged horse
- Highest at midnight
- September 2
- Highest at 9 pm
- October 17
- Seen whole from
- 90°N to 57°S
- Stars in the figure
- 14 stars
- Origin
- Ptolemy's list, 2nd century
When to see Pegasus
Pegasus is highest in the sky at midnight around September 2 and at 9 pm around October 17. 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 | 3:00 p.m. |
| February 15 | 1:00 p.m. |
| March 15 | 11:10 a.m. |
| April 15 | 9:10 a.m. |
| May 15 | 7:10 a.m. |
| June 15 | 5:10 a.m. |
| July 15 | 3:10 a.m. |
| August 15 | 1:10 a.m. |
| September 15 | 11:10 p.m. |
| October 15 | 9:10 p.m. |
| November 15 | 7:10 p.m. |
| December 15 | 5:10 p.m. |
Where to look for Pegasus
From the northern hemisphere
From 40°N, Pegasus rises in the east and sets in the west. It is highest around midnight on September 2, 71° above the southern horizon.
From the southern hemisphere
From 35°S, Pegasus rises in the east and sets in the west. It is highest around midnight on September 2, 34° above the northern horizon.
Brightest stars in Pegasus
None of the stars of Pegasus 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 2.
Pegasus in myth and history
In Greek myth, Pegasus was a winged horse that sprang from the body of the Gorgon Medusa when Perseus cut off her head.
Pegasus is one of the 48 constellations that the astronomer Ptolemy listed in the 2nd century.
Constellations next to Pegasus
Find Pegasus in your sky
Questions about Pegasus
Pegasus is highest in the sky at midnight around September 2 and at 9 pm around October 17. The weeks around those dates are the best time to look.
The whole figure of Pegasus rises above the horizon from 90°N to 57°S, and at least part of it rises from 90°N to 84°S.
Pegasus represents the winged horse. Pegasus is one of the 48 constellations that the astronomer Ptolemy listed in the 2nd century.