Delphinus constellation

Delphinus is one of the 88 constellations, and it represents the dolphin. It is highest in the sky at midnight around 2 August, and its whole figure rises above the horizon from 90°N to 74°S.

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Delphinus at a glance

Represents
the dolphin
Highest at midnight
2 August
Highest at 9 pm
15 September
Seen whole from
90°N to 74°S
Stars in the figure
5 stars
Origin
Ptolemy's list, 2nd century

When to see Delphinus

Delphinus is highest in the sky at midnight around 2 August and at 9 pm around 15 September. 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.

When Delphinus is highest each month
DateHighest at
15 January1:00 pm
15 February11:00 am
15 March9:10 am
15 April7:10 am
15 May5:10 am
15 June3:10 am
15 July1:10 am
15 August11:00 pm
15 September9:00 pm
15 October7:00 pm
15 November5:00 pm
15 December3:00 pm

Where to look for Delphinus

From the northern hemisphere

From 40°N, Delphinus rises in the east and sets in the west. It is highest around midnight on 2 August, 65° above the southern horizon.

From the southern hemisphere

From 35°S, Delphinus rises in the east and sets in the west. It is highest around midnight on 2 August, 40° above the northern horizon.

Brightest stars in Delphinus

None of the stars of Delphinus 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.

Delphinus in myth and history

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

Constellations next to Delphinus

Find Delphinus in your sky

Questions about Delphinus