Corona Borealis constellation

Corona Borealis is one of the 88 constellations, and it represents the northern crown. It is highest in the sky at midnight around 19 May, and its whole figure rises above the horizon from 90°N to 59°S.

AlpheccaMake a star map with constellations

Corona Borealis at a glance

Represents
the northern crown
Highest at midnight
19 May
Highest at 9 pm
2 July
Seen whole from
90°N to 59°S
Brightest star
Alphecca
Stars in the figure
7 stars
Origin
Ptolemy's list, 2nd century

When to see Corona Borealis

Corona Borealis is highest in the sky at midnight around 19 May and at 9 pm around 2 July. 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 Corona Borealis is highest each month
DateHighest at
15 January08:10
15 February06:00
15 March04:10
15 April02:10
15 May00:10
15 June22:10
15 July20:10
15 August18:10
15 September16:10
15 October14:10
15 November12:10
15 December10:10

Where to look for Corona Borealis

From the northern hemisphere

From 40°N, Corona Borealis rises in the east and sets in the west. It is highest around midnight on 19 May, 78° above the southern horizon.

From the southern hemisphere

From 35°S, Corona Borealis rises in the east and sets in the west. It is highest around midnight on 19 May, 27° above the northern horizon.

Brightest stars in Corona Borealis

The brightest stars in Corona Borealis
StarMagnitude
Alphecca2.22

Corona Borealis in myth and history

In Greek myth, the northern crown belonged to Ariadne, a princess of Crete. The god Dionysus gave it to her when they married and later set it among the stars.

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

Constellations next to Corona Borealis

Find Corona Borealis in your sky

Questions about Corona Borealis