Constellation · Aur
Auriga
The Charioteer
Home of Capella, one of the brightest stars in the northern sky, and the open clusters M36, M37 and M38.
Magnitude 0.08
Highest in the sky at 9 pm local time (winter 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 Auriga
Brightest first. A lower magnitude means a brighter star.
- Capella (Alpha Aurigae)mag 0.08
- Menkalinan (Beta Aurigae)mag 1.90
- Mahasim (Theta Aurigae)mag 2.65
- Hassaleh (Iota Aurigae)mag 2.69
- Almaaz (Epsilon Aurigae)mag 3.03
- Haedus (Eta Aurigae)mag 3.18
Can you see Auriga 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 | Auriga |
|---|---|
| 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 Auriga
When is Auriga best seen?
Auriga stands highest in the sky at 9 pm local time in February. That makes winter evenings the best time for observers in the northern hemisphere; in the southern hemisphere the season is reversed.
What is the brightest star in Auriga?
The brightest star in Auriga is Capella (Alpha Aurigae), magnitude 0.08.
Where on Earth can you see Auriga?
The whole of Auriga can be seen from latitudes between about 34°S and 90°N. From 40°N: The whole constellation rises and sets. From 35°S: Only part of it ever clears the horizon.
What does Auriga mean?
Auriga is Latin for "the Charioteer". One of Ptolemy's 48 ancient constellations (2nd century).