Lyra constellation

Lyra is one of the 88 constellations, and it represents the lyre. It is highest in the sky at midnight around 5 July, and its whole figure rises above the horizon from 90°N to 51°S.

VegaMake a star map with constellations

Lyra at a glance

Represents
the lyre
Highest at midnight
5 July
Highest at 9 pm
18 August
Seen whole from
90°N to 51°S
Brightest star
Vega
Stars in the figure
5 stars
Origin
Ptolemy's list, 2nd century

When to see Lyra

Lyra is highest in the sky at midnight around 5 July and at 9 pm around 18 August. 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.

When Lyra is highest each month
DateHighest at
15 January11:10
15 February09:10
15 March07:20
15 April05:20
15 May03:20
15 June01:20
15 July23:10
15 August21:10
15 September19:10
15 October17:10
15 November15:10
15 December13:10

Where to look for Lyra

From the northern hemisphere

From 40°N, Lyra rises in the east and sets in the west. It is highest around midnight on 5 July, almost overhead.

From the southern hemisphere

From 35°S, Lyra rises in the east and sets in the west. It is highest around midnight on 5 July, 19° above the northern horizon.

Brightest stars in Lyra

The brightest stars in Lyra
StarMagnitude
Vega0.03

Meteor showers from Lyra

The meteors of these showers seem to come from a point in Lyra, called the radiant.

Meteor showers whose radiant is in Lyra
ShowerPeakZenithal hourly rate
LyridsAround 22 April18

Lyra in myth and history

The lyre is the one that the god Hermes made from a tortoise shell and that the musician Orpheus played in Greek myth.

Lyra is one of the 48 constellations that the astronomer Ptolemy listed in the 2nd century.

Constellations next to Lyra

Find Lyra in your sky

Questions about Lyra