Lupus constellation
Lupus is one of the 88 constellations, and it represents the wolf. It is highest in the sky at midnight around May 13, and its whole figure rises above the horizon from 38°N to 90°S.
Lupus at a glance
- Represents
- the wolf
- Highest at midnight
- May 13
- Highest at 9 pm
- June 27
- Seen whole from
- 38°N to 90°S
- Stars in the figure
- 12 stars
- Origin
- Ptolemy's list, 2nd century
When to see Lupus
Lupus is highest in the sky at midnight around May 13 and at 9 pm around June 27. 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 | 7:40 AM |
| February 15 | 5:40 AM |
| March 15 | 3:50 AM |
| April 15 | 1:50 AM |
| May 15 | 11:50 PM |
| June 15 | 9:50 PM |
| July 15 | 7:50 PM |
| August 15 | 5:50 PM |
| September 15 | 3:40 PM |
| October 15 | 1:50 PM |
| November 15 | 11:40 AM |
| December 15 | 9:50 AM |
Where to look for Lupus
From the northern hemisphere
From 40°N, only part of Lupus rises. Its centre is highest around midnight on May 13, 7° above the southern horizon.
From the southern hemisphere
From 35°S, Lupus rises in the east and sets in the west. It is highest around midnight on May 13, almost overhead.
Brightest stars in Lupus
None of the stars of Lupus 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.
Lupus in myth and history
Lupus is one of the 48 constellations that the astronomer Ptolemy listed in the 2nd century.
Constellations next to Lupus
Find Lupus in your sky
Questions about Lupus
Lupus is highest in the sky at midnight around May 13 and at 9 pm around June 27. The weeks around those dates are the best time to look.
The whole figure of Lupus rises above the horizon from 38°N to 90°S, and at least part of it rises from 56°N to 90°S.
Lupus represents the wolf. Lupus is one of the 48 constellations that the astronomer Ptolemy listed in the 2nd century.