Piscis Austrinus constellation
Piscis Austrinus is one of the 88 constellations, and it represents the southern fish. It is highest in the sky at midnight around August 29, and its whole figure rises above the horizon from 58°N to 90°S.
Piscis Austrinus at a glance
- Represents
- the southern fish
- Highest at midnight
- August 29
- Highest at 9 pm
- October 13
- Seen whole from
- 58°N to 90°S
- Brightest star
- Fomalhaut
- Stars in the figure
- 7 stars
- Origin
- Ptolemy's list, 2nd century
When to see Piscis Austrinus
Piscis Austrinus is highest in the sky at midnight around August 29 and at 9 pm around October 13. 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 PM |
| February 15 | 12:50 PM |
| March 15 | 11:00 AM |
| April 15 | 8:50 AM |
| May 15 | 7:00 AM |
| June 15 | 4:50 AM |
| July 15 | 3:00 AM |
| August 15 | 12:50 AM |
| September 15 | 10:50 PM |
| October 15 | 8:50 PM |
| November 15 | 6:50 PM |
| December 15 | 4:50 PM |
Where to look for Piscis Austrinus
From the northern hemisphere
From 40°N, Piscis Austrinus rises in the east and sets in the west. It is highest around midnight on August 29, 19° above the southern horizon.
From the southern hemisphere
From 35°S, Piscis Austrinus rises in the east and sets in the west. It is highest around midnight on August 29, almost overhead.
Brightest stars in Piscis Austrinus
| Star | Magnitude |
|---|---|
| Fomalhaut | 1.17 |
Piscis Austrinus in myth and history
Piscis Austrinus is one of the 48 constellations that the astronomer Ptolemy listed in the 2nd century.
Constellations next to Piscis Austrinus
Find Piscis Austrinus in your sky
Questions about Piscis Austrinus
Piscis Austrinus is highest in the sky at midnight around August 29 and at 9 pm around October 13. The weeks around those dates are the best time to look.
The whole figure of Piscis Austrinus rises above the horizon from 58°N to 90°S, and at least part of it rises from 63°N to 90°S.
Fomalhaut is the brightest star in Piscis Austrinus, at magnitude 1.17.
Piscis Austrinus represents the southern fish. Piscis Austrinus is one of the 48 constellations that the astronomer Ptolemy listed in the 2nd century.