Equuleus constellation
Equuleus is one of the 88 constellations, and it represents the little horse. It is highest in the sky at midnight around 11 August, and its whole figure rises above the horizon from 90°N to 80°S.
Equuleus at a glance
- Represents
- the little horse
- Highest at midnight
- 11 August
- Highest at 9 pm
- 25 September
- Seen whole from
- 90°N to 80°S
- Stars in the figure
- 4 stars
- Origin
- Ptolemy's list, 2nd century
When to see Equuleus
Equuleus is highest in the sky at midnight around 11 August and at 9 pm around 25 September. 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 | 13:40 |
| 15 February | 11:40 |
| 15 March | 09:50 |
| 15 April | 07:40 |
| 15 May | 05:50 |
| 15 June | 03:40 |
| 15 July | 01:50 |
| 15 August | 23:40 |
| 15 September | 21:40 |
| 15 October | 19:40 |
| 15 November | 17:40 |
| 15 December | 15:40 |
Where to look for Equuleus
From the northern hemisphere
From 40°N, Equuleus rises in the east and sets in the west. It is highest around midnight on 11 August, 58° above the southern horizon.
From the southern hemisphere
From 35°S, Equuleus rises in the east and sets in the west. It is highest around midnight on 11 August, 47° above the northern horizon.
Brightest stars in Equuleus
None of the stars of Equuleus 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.
Equuleus in myth and history
Equuleus is one of the 48 constellations that the astronomer Ptolemy listed in the 2nd century.
Constellations next to Equuleus
Find Equuleus in your sky
Questions about Equuleus
Equuleus is highest in the sky at midnight around 11 August and at 9 pm around 25 September. The weeks around those dates are the best time to look.
The whole figure of Equuleus rises above the horizon from 90°N to 80°S, and at least part of it rises from 90°N to 85°S.
Equuleus represents the little horse. Equuleus is one of the 48 constellations that the astronomer Ptolemy listed in the 2nd century.