Andromeda constellation
Andromeda is one of the 88 constellations, and it represents the chained princess. It is highest in the sky at midnight around 6 October, and its whole figure rises above the horizon from 90°N to 48°S.
Andromeda at a glance
- Represents
- the chained princess
- Highest at midnight
- 6 October
- Highest at 9 pm
- 20 November
- Seen whole from
- 90°N to 48°S
- Brightest star
- Alpheratz
- Stars in the figure
- 6 stars
- Origin
- Ptolemy's list, 2nd century
When to see Andromeda
Andromeda is highest in the sky at midnight around 6 October and at 9 pm around 20 November. 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 | 5:20 pm |
| 15 February | 3:20 pm |
| 15 March | 1:20 pm |
| 15 April | 11:20 am |
| 15 May | 9:30 am |
| 15 June | 7:20 am |
| 15 July | 5:30 am |
| 15 August | 3:20 am |
| 15 September | 1:20 am |
| 15 October | 11:20 pm |
| 15 November | 9:20 pm |
| 15 December | 7:20 pm |
Where to look for Andromeda
From the northern hemisphere
From 40°N, Andromeda rises in the east and sets in the west. It is highest around midnight on 6 October, almost overhead.
From the southern hemisphere
From 35°S, Andromeda rises in the east and sets in the west. It is highest around midnight on 6 October, 18° above the northern horizon.
Brightest stars in Andromeda
Andromeda in myth and history
In Greek myth, Andromeda was the daughter of King Cepheus and Queen Cassiopeia. She was chained to a rock as an offering to the sea monster Cetus, and the hero Perseus saved her.
Andromeda is one of the 48 constellations that the astronomer Ptolemy listed in the 2nd century.
Constellations next to Andromeda
Find Andromeda in your sky
Questions about Andromeda
Andromeda is highest in the sky at midnight around 6 October and at 9 pm around 20 November. The weeks around those dates are the best time to look.
The whole figure of Andromeda rises above the horizon from 90°N to 48°S, and at least part of it rises from 90°N to 61°S.
Alpheratz is the brightest star in Andromeda, at magnitude 2.07.
Andromeda represents the chained princess. Andromeda is one of the 48 constellations that the astronomer Ptolemy listed in the 2nd century.