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.

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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.

When Crater is highest each month
DateHighest at
15 January03:50
15 February01:50
15 March23:50
15 April21:50
15 May19:50
15 June17:50
15 July15:50
15 August13:50
15 September11:50
15 October09:50
15 November07:50
15 December05:50

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