Sagitta constellation
Sagitta is one of the 88 constellations, and it represents the arrow. It is highest in the sky at midnight around July 20, and its whole figure rises above the horizon from 90°N to 70°S.
Sagitta at a glance
- Represents
- the arrow
- Highest at midnight
- July 20
- Highest at 9 pm
- September 3
- Seen whole from
- 90°N to 70°S
- Stars in the figure
- 5 stars
- Origin
- Ptolemy's list, 2nd century
When to see Sagitta
Sagitta is highest in the sky at midnight around July 20 and at 9 pm around September 3. 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 | 12:10 PM |
| February 15 | 10:10 AM |
| March 15 | 8:20 AM |
| April 15 | 6:20 AM |
| May 15 | 4:20 AM |
| June 15 | 2:20 AM |
| July 15 | 12:20 AM |
| August 15 | 10:10 PM |
| September 15 | 8:10 PM |
| October 15 | 6:10 PM |
| November 15 | 4:10 PM |
| December 15 | 2:10 PM |
Where to look for Sagitta
From the northern hemisphere
From 40°N, Sagitta rises in the east and sets in the west. It is highest around midnight on July 20, 69° above the southern horizon.
From the southern hemisphere
From 35°S, Sagitta rises in the east and sets in the west. It is highest around midnight on July 20, 36° above the northern horizon.
Brightest stars in Sagitta
None of the stars of Sagitta 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.
Sagitta in myth and history
Sagitta is one of the 48 constellations that the astronomer Ptolemy listed in the 2nd century.
Constellations next to Sagitta
Find Sagitta in your sky
Questions about Sagitta
Sagitta is highest in the sky at midnight around July 20 and at 9 pm around September 3. The weeks around those dates are the best time to look.
The whole figure of Sagitta rises above the horizon from 90°N to 70°S, and at least part of it rises from 90°N to 72°S.
Sagitta represents the arrow. Sagitta is one of the 48 constellations that the astronomer Ptolemy listed in the 2nd century.