Hercules constellation
Hercules is one of the 88 constellations, and it represents the hero Hercules. It is highest in the sky at midnight around June 9, and its whole figure rises above the horizon from 90°N to 44°S.
Hercules at a glance
- Represents
- the hero Hercules
- Highest at midnight
- June 9
- Highest at 9 pm
- July 24
- Seen whole from
- 90°N to 44°S
- Stars in the figure
- 18 stars
- Origin
- Ptolemy's list, 2nd century
When to see Hercules
Hercules is highest in the sky at midnight around June 9 and at 9 pm around July 24. 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 | 9:30 AM |
| February 15 | 7:30 AM |
| March 15 | 5:40 AM |
| April 15 | 3:40 AM |
| May 15 | 1:40 AM |
| June 15 | 11:30 PM |
| July 15 | 9:30 PM |
| August 15 | 7:30 PM |
| September 15 | 5:30 PM |
| October 15 | 3:30 PM |
| November 15 | 1:30 PM |
| December 15 | 11:30 AM |
Where to look for Hercules
From the northern hemisphere
From 40°N, Hercules rises in the east and sets in the west. It is highest around midnight on June 9, almost overhead.
From the southern hemisphere
From 35°S, Hercules rises in the east and sets in the west. It is highest around midnight on June 9, 21° above the northern horizon.
Brightest stars in Hercules
None of the stars of Hercules 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.
Hercules in myth and history
Hercules is the Greek hero Heracles, best known for his twelve labours. He is drawn kneeling, with one foot on the head of Draco, the dragon.
Hercules is one of the 48 constellations that the astronomer Ptolemy listed in the 2nd century.
Constellations next to Hercules
Find Hercules in your sky
Questions about Hercules
Hercules is highest in the sky at midnight around June 9 and at 9 pm around July 24. The weeks around those dates are the best time to look.
The whole figure of Hercules rises above the horizon from 90°N to 44°S, and at least part of it rises from 90°N to 71°S.
Hercules represents the hero Hercules. Hercules is one of the 48 constellations that the astronomer Ptolemy listed in the 2nd century.