Constellation · Aql
Aquila
The Eagle
Contains Altair, one corner of the Summer Triangle, and lies along the summer Milky Way.
Magnitude 0.76
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 Aquila
Brightest first. A lower magnitude means a brighter star.
- Altair (Alpha Aquilae)mag 0.76
- Tarazed (Gamma Aquilae)mag 2.72
- Okab (Zeta Aquilae)mag 2.99
- Almizan (Delta Aquilae)mag 3.36
- Al Thalimain Prior (Lambda Aquilae)mag 3.43
- Alshain (Beta Aquilae)mag 3.71
Can you see Aquila 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 | Aquila |
|---|---|
| 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 Aquila
When is Aquila best seen?
Aquila stands highest in the sky at 9 pm local time in September. 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 Aquila?
The brightest star in Aquila is Altair (Alpha Aquilae), magnitude 0.76.
Where on Earth can you see Aquila?
The whole of Aquila can be seen from latitudes between about 71°S and 78°N. From 40°N: The whole constellation rises and sets. From 35°S: The whole constellation rises and sets.
What does Aquila mean?
Aquila is Latin for "the Eagle". One of Ptolemy's 48 ancient constellations (2nd century).