Pegasus constellation

Pegasus is one of the 88 constellations, and it represents the winged horse. It is highest in the sky at midnight around 2 September, and its whole figure rises above the horizon from 90°N to 57°S.

AlpheratzMake a star map with constellations

Pegasus at a glance

Represents
the winged horse
Highest at midnight
2 September
Highest at 9 pm
17 October
Seen whole from
90°N to 57°S
Stars in the figure
14 stars
Origin
Ptolemy's list, 2nd century

When to see Pegasus

Pegasus is highest in the sky at midnight around 2 September and at 9 pm around 17 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 Pegasus is highest each month
DateHighest at
15 January15:00
15 February13:00
15 March11:10
15 April09:10
15 May07:10
15 June05:10
15 July03:10
15 August01:10
15 September23:10
15 October21:10
15 November19:10
15 December17:10

Where to look for Pegasus

From the northern hemisphere

From 40°N, Pegasus rises in the east and sets in the west. It is highest around midnight on 2 September, 71° above the southern horizon.

From the southern hemisphere

From 35°S, Pegasus rises in the east and sets in the west. It is highest around midnight on 2 September, 34° above the northern horizon.

Brightest stars in Pegasus

None of the stars of Pegasus 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 2.

Pegasus in myth and history

In Greek myth, Pegasus was a winged horse that sprang from the body of the Gorgon Medusa when Perseus cut off her head.

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

Constellations next to Pegasus

Find Pegasus in your sky

Questions about Pegasus