Sagittarius constellation
Sagittarius is one of the 88 constellations, and it represents the archer. It is highest in the sky at midnight around 7 July, and its whole figure rises above the horizon from 45°N to 90°S.
Sagittarius at a glance
- Represents
- the archer
- Highest at midnight
- 7 July
- Highest at 9 pm
- 21 August
- Seen whole from
- 45°N to 90°S
- Brightest star
- Kaus Australis
- Stars in the figure
- 21 stars
- Origin
- Ptolemy's list, 2nd century
- Zodiac sign
- Sagittarius
When to see Sagittarius
Sagittarius is highest in the sky at midnight around 7 July and at 9 pm around 21 August. 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 | 11:20 |
| 15 February | 09:20 |
| 15 March | 07:30 |
| 15 April | 05:30 |
| 15 May | 03:30 |
| 15 June | 01:30 |
| 15 July | 23:20 |
| 15 August | 21:20 |
| 15 September | 19:20 |
| 15 October | 17:20 |
| 15 November | 15:20 |
| 15 December | 13:20 |
Where to look for Sagittarius
From the northern hemisphere
From 40°N, Sagittarius rises in the east and sets in the west. It is highest around midnight on 7 July, 21° above the southern horizon.
From the southern hemisphere
From 35°S, Sagittarius rises in the east and sets in the west. It is highest around midnight on 7 July, almost overhead.
Brightest stars in Sagittarius
| Star | Magnitude |
|---|---|
| Kaus Australis | 1.79 |
| Nunki | 2.05 |
Sagittarius in myth and history
Sagittarius is drawn as a centaur that shoots an arrow. Its brightest stars form an asterism known as the Teapot.
Sagittarius is one of the 48 constellations that the astronomer Ptolemy listed in the 2nd century.
Sagittarius and the zodiac
In 2026, the Sun is in front of the stars of Sagittarius from 18 December to 20 January. The zodiac sign Sagittarius covers other dates, because astrologers split the year into 12 equal signs that start at the March equinox.
Constellations next to Sagittarius
Find Sagittarius in your sky
Questions about Sagittarius
Sagittarius is highest in the sky at midnight around 7 July and at 9 pm around 21 August. The weeks around those dates are the best time to look.
The whole figure of Sagittarius rises above the horizon from 45°N to 90°S, and at least part of it rises from 72°N to 90°S.
Kaus Australis is the brightest star in Sagittarius, at magnitude 1.79.
Sagittarius represents the archer. Sagittarius is one of the 48 constellations that the astronomer Ptolemy listed in the 2nd century.
Yes. The Sun is in front of Sagittarius from 18 December to 20 January in 2026, and the zodiac sign Sagittarius is named after it.