Crater constellation
Crater is one of the 88 constellations, and it represents the cup. It is highest in the sky at midnight around 15 March, and its whole figure rises above the horizon from 67°N to 90°S.
Crater at a glance
- Represents
- the cup
- Highest at midnight
- 15 March
- Highest at 9 pm
- 28 April
- Seen whole from
- 67°N to 90°S
- Stars in the figure
- 8 stars
- Origin
- Ptolemy's list, 2nd century
When to see Crater
Crater is highest in the sky at midnight around 15 March and at 9 pm around 28 April. Each month it is highest about two hours earlier than the month before.
The times are local solar time. Clocks on summer time or daylight saving time read about one hour later.
| Date | Highest at |
|---|---|
| 15 January | 3:50 am |
| 15 February | 1:50 am |
| 15 March | 11:50 pm |
| 15 April | 9:50 pm |
| 15 May | 7:50 pm |
| 15 June | 5:50 pm |
| 15 July | 3:50 pm |
| 15 August | 1:50 pm |
| 15 September | 11:50 am |
| 15 October | 9:50 am |
| 15 November | 7:50 am |
| 15 December | 5:50 am |
Where to look for Crater
From the northern hemisphere
From 40°N, Crater rises in the east and sets in the west. It is highest around midnight on 15 March, 34° above the southern horizon.
From the southern hemisphere
From 35°S, Crater rises in the east and sets in the west. It is highest around midnight on 15 March, 71° above the northern horizon.
Brightest stars in Crater
None of the stars of Crater 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.
Crater in myth and history
Crater is one of the 48 constellations that the astronomer Ptolemy listed in the 2nd century.
Constellations next to Crater
Find Crater in your sky
Questions about Crater
Crater is highest in the sky at midnight around 15 March and at 9 pm around 28 April. The weeks around those dates are the best time to look.
The whole figure of Crater rises above the horizon from 67°N to 90°S, and at least part of it rises from 80°N to 90°S.
Crater represents the cup. Crater is one of the 48 constellations that the astronomer Ptolemy listed in the 2nd century.