Vulpecula constellation
Vulpecula is one of the 88 constellations, and it represents the little fox. It is highest in the sky at midnight around July 19, and its whole figure rises above the horizon from 90°N to 62°S.
Vulpecula at a glance
- Represents
- the little fox
- Highest at midnight
- July 19
- Highest at 9 pm
- September 1
- Seen whole from
- 90°N to 62°S
- Stars in the figure
- 2 stars
- Origin
- Johannes Hevelius, 1690
When to see Vulpecula
Vulpecula is highest in the sky at midnight around July 19 and at 9 pm around September 1. 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 | 12:10 p.m. |
| February 15 | 10:00 a.m. |
| March 15 | 8:10 a.m. |
| April 15 | 6:10 a.m. |
| May 15 | 4:10 a.m. |
| June 15 | 2:10 a.m. |
| July 15 | 12:10 a.m. |
| August 15 | 10:10 p.m. |
| September 15 | 8:10 p.m. |
| October 15 | 6:10 p.m. |
| November 15 | 4:10 p.m. |
| December 15 | 2:10 p.m. |
Where to look for Vulpecula
From the northern hemisphere
From 40°N, Vulpecula rises in the east and sets in the west. It is highest around midnight on July 19, 76° above the southern horizon.
From the southern hemisphere
From 35°S, Vulpecula rises in the east and sets in the west. It is highest around midnight on July 19, 29° above the northern horizon.
Brightest stars in Vulpecula
None of the stars of Vulpecula 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 4.
Vulpecula in myth and history
The astronomer Johannes Hevelius added Vulpecula in his star atlas of 1690.
Constellations next to Vulpecula
Find Vulpecula in your sky
Questions about Vulpecula
Vulpecula is highest in the sky at midnight around July 19 and at 9 pm around September 1. The weeks around those dates are the best time to look.
The whole figure of Vulpecula rises above the horizon from 90°N to 62°S, and at least part of it rises from 90°N to 65°S.
Vulpecula represents the little fox. The astronomer Johannes Hevelius added Vulpecula in his star atlas of 1690.