Lupus constellation

Lupus is one of the 88 constellations, and it represents the wolf. It is highest in the sky at midnight around May 13, and its whole figure rises above the horizon from 38°N to 90°S.

Make a star map with constellations

Lupus at a glance

Represents
the wolf
Highest at midnight
May 13
Highest at 9 pm
June 27
Seen whole from
38°N to 90°S
Stars in the figure
12 stars
Origin
Ptolemy's list, 2nd century

When to see Lupus

Lupus is highest in the sky at midnight around May 13 and at 9 pm around June 27. 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.

When Lupus is highest each month
DateHighest at
January 157:40 AM
February 155:40 AM
March 153:50 AM
April 151:50 AM
May 1511:50 PM
June 159:50 PM
July 157:50 PM
August 155:50 PM
September 153:40 PM
October 151:50 PM
November 1511:40 AM
December 159:50 AM

Where to look for Lupus

From the northern hemisphere

From 40°N, only part of Lupus rises. Its center is highest around midnight on May 13, 7° above the southern horizon.

From the southern hemisphere

From 35°S, Lupus rises in the east and sets in the west. It is highest around midnight on May 13, almost overhead.

Brightest stars in Lupus

None of the stars of Lupus 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.

Lupus in myth and history

Lupus is one of the 48 constellations that the astronomer Ptolemy listed in the 2nd century.

Constellations next to Lupus

Find Lupus in your sky

Questions about Lupus