Constellation · Aqr
Aquarius
The Water Bearer
A zodiac constellation that contains the Helix Nebula, one of the nearest planetary nebulae, and the faint red dwarf TRAPPIST-1 with its seven known planets.
Magnitude 2.90
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 Aquarius
Brightest first. A lower magnitude means a brighter star.
- Sadalsuud (Beta Aquarii)mag 2.90
- Sadalmelik (Alpha Aquarii)mag 2.95
- Skat (Delta Aquarii)mag 3.27
- Sadaltager (Zeta¹ Aquarii)mag 3.65
- Hydor (Lambda Aquarii)mag 3.73
- Albali (Epsilon Aquarii)mag 3.78
Can you see Aquarius 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 | Aquarius |
|---|---|
| 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 | The whole constellation rises and sets |
| 60°S | The whole constellation rises and sets |
Questions about Aquarius
When is Aquarius best seen?
Aquarius stands highest in the sky at 9 pm local time in October. 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 Aquarius?
The brightest star in Aquarius is Sadalsuud (Beta Aquarii), magnitude 2.90.
Where on Earth can you see Aquarius?
The whole of Aquarius can be seen from latitudes between about 87°S and 65°N. From 40°N: The whole constellation rises and sets. From 35°S: The whole constellation rises and sets.
What does Aquarius mean?
Aquarius is Latin for "the Water Bearer". One of Ptolemy's 48 ancient constellations (2nd century).