Lacerta constellation

Lacerta is one of the 88 constellations, and it represents the lizard. It is highest in the sky at midnight around 28 August, and its whole figure rises above the horizon from 90°N to 38°S.

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Lacerta at a glance

Represents
the lizard
Highest at midnight
28 August
Highest at 9 pm
12 October
Seen whole from
90°N to 38°S
Stars in the figure
6 stars
Origin
Johannes Hevelius, 1690

When to see Lacerta

Lacerta is highest in the sky at midnight around 28 August and at 9 pm around 12 October. 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 Lacerta is highest each month
DateHighest at
15 January2:50 pm
15 February12:40 pm
15 March10:50 am
15 April8:50 am
15 May6:50 am
15 June4:50 am
15 July2:50 am
15 August12:50 am
15 September10:50 pm
15 October8:50 pm
15 November6:50 pm
15 December4:50 pm

Where to look for Lacerta

From the northern hemisphere

From 40°N, Lacerta rises in the east and sets in the west. It is highest around midnight on 28 August, almost overhead.

From the southern hemisphere

From 35°S, Lacerta rises in the east and sets in the west. It is highest around midnight on 28 August, 8° above the northern horizon.

Brightest stars in Lacerta

None of the stars of Lacerta 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.

Lacerta in myth and history

The astronomer Johannes Hevelius added Lacerta in his star atlas of 1690.

Constellations next to Lacerta

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Questions about Lacerta