Equuleus constellation
Equuleus is one of the 88 constellations, and it represents the little horse. It is highest in the sky at midnight around August 11, and its whole figure rises above the horizon from 90°N to 80°S.
Equuleus at a glance
- Represents
- the little horse
- Highest at midnight
- August 11
- Highest at 9 pm
- September 25
- Seen whole from
- 90°N to 80°S
- Stars in the figure
- 4 stars
- Origin
- Ptolemy's list, 2nd century
When to see Equuleus
Equuleus is highest in the sky at midnight around August 11 and at 9 pm around September 25. 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 | 1:40 PM |
| February 15 | 11:40 AM |
| March 15 | 9:50 AM |
| April 15 | 7:40 AM |
| May 15 | 5:50 AM |
| June 15 | 3:40 AM |
| July 15 | 1:50 AM |
| August 15 | 11:40 PM |
| September 15 | 9:40 PM |
| October 15 | 7:40 PM |
| November 15 | 5:40 PM |
| December 15 | 3:40 PM |
Where to look for Equuleus
From the northern hemisphere
From 40°N, Equuleus rises in the east and sets in the west. It is highest around midnight on August 11, 58° above the southern horizon.
From the southern hemisphere
From 35°S, Equuleus rises in the east and sets in the west. It is highest around midnight on August 11, 47° above the northern horizon.
Brightest stars in Equuleus
None of the stars of Equuleus 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.
Equuleus in myth and history
Equuleus is one of the 48 constellations that the astronomer Ptolemy listed in the 2nd century.
Constellations next to Equuleus
Find Equuleus in your sky
Questions about Equuleus
Equuleus is highest in the sky at midnight around August 11 and at 9 pm around September 25. The weeks around those dates are the best time to look.
The whole figure of Equuleus rises above the horizon from 90°N to 80°S, and at least part of it rises from 90°N to 85°S.
Equuleus represents the little horse. Equuleus is one of the 48 constellations that the astronomer Ptolemy listed in the 2nd century.