Constellation · And
Andromeda
The Chained Princess
Home of the Andromeda Galaxy (M31), the nearest large galaxy to the Milky Way, about 2.5 million light-years away and visible to the naked eye from a dark site.
Magnitude 2.07, practically tied with Mirach (Beta Andromedae)
Highest in the sky at 9 pm local time (autumn in the northern hemisphere)
Latitudes where every part of it rises above the horizon at some time of year
The whole sky covers about 41,253 square degrees
Stars brighter than about magnitude 6, the naked-eye limit under dark skies
Named stars in Andromeda
Brightest first. A lower magnitude means a brighter star.
- Alpheratz (Alpha Andromedae)mag 2.07
- Mirach (Beta Andromedae)mag 2.07
- Almach (Gamma¹ Andromedae)mag 2.10
- Nembusmag 3.59
- Titawin (Upsilon Andromedae)mag 4.10
- Adhil (Xi Andromedae)mag 4.87
Can you see Andromeda from where you live?
This depends only on your latitude. Pick the row nearest to you; for your exact sky tonight, use the sky map.
| Latitude | Andromeda |
|---|---|
| 60°N | The whole constellation rises and sets |
| 40°N | The whole constellation rises and sets |
| 20°N | The whole constellation rises and sets |
| the equator | The whole constellation rises and sets |
| 20°S | The whole constellation rises and sets |
| 40°S | Only part of it ever clears the horizon |
| 60°S | Only part of it ever clears the horizon |
Questions about Andromeda
When is Andromeda best seen?
Andromeda stands highest in the sky at 9 pm local time in November. That makes autumn evenings the best time for observers in the northern hemisphere; in the southern hemisphere the season is reversed.
What is the brightest star in Andromeda?
The brightest star in Andromeda is Alpheratz (Alpha Andromedae), magnitude 2.07 (practically tied with Mirach (Beta Andromedae)).
Where on Earth can you see Andromeda?
The whole of Andromeda can be seen from latitudes between about 37°S and 90°N. From 40°N: The whole constellation rises and sets. From 35°S: The whole constellation rises and sets.
What does Andromeda mean?
Andromeda is Latin for "the Chained Princess". One of Ptolemy's 48 ancient constellations (2nd century).