Delphinus constellation
Delphinus is one of the 88 constellations, and it represents the dolphin. It is highest in the sky at midnight around August 2, and its whole figure rises above the horizon from 90°N to 74°S.
Delphinus at a glance
- Represents
- the dolphin
- Highest at midnight
- August 2
- Highest at 9 pm
- September 15
- Seen whole from
- 90°N to 74°S
- Stars in the figure
- 5 stars
- Origin
- Ptolemy's list, 2nd century
When to see Delphinus
Delphinus is highest in the sky at midnight around August 2 and at 9 pm around September 15. 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 |
|---|---|
| January 15 | 1:00 PM |
| February 15 | 11:00 AM |
| March 15 | 9:10 AM |
| April 15 | 7:10 AM |
| May 15 | 5:10 AM |
| June 15 | 3:10 AM |
| July 15 | 1:10 AM |
| August 15 | 11:00 PM |
| September 15 | 9:00 PM |
| October 15 | 7:00 PM |
| November 15 | 5:00 PM |
| December 15 | 3:00 PM |
Where to look for Delphinus
From the northern hemisphere
From 40°N, Delphinus rises in the east and sets in the west. It is highest around midnight on August 2, 65° above the southern horizon.
From the southern hemisphere
From 35°S, Delphinus rises in the east and sets in the west. It is highest around midnight on August 2, 40° above the northern horizon.
Brightest stars in Delphinus
None of the stars of Delphinus 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.
Delphinus in myth and history
Delphinus is one of the 48 constellations that the astronomer Ptolemy listed in the 2nd century.
Constellations next to Delphinus
Find Delphinus in your sky
Questions about Delphinus
Delphinus is highest in the sky at midnight around August 2 and at 9 pm around September 15. The weeks around those dates are the best time to look.
The whole figure of Delphinus rises above the horizon from 90°N to 74°S, and at least part of it rises from 90°N to 79°S.
Delphinus represents the dolphin. Delphinus is one of the 48 constellations that the astronomer Ptolemy listed in the 2nd century.