Constellation · Cet
Cetus
The Sea Monster
Contains Mira, the first variable star recognised as periodic, which swells and fades over about 332 days.
Magnitude 2.04
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 Cetus
Brightest first. A lower magnitude means a brighter star.
- Diphda (Beta Ceti)mag 2.04
- Menkar (Alpha Ceti)mag 2.54
- Dheneb (Eta Ceti)mag 3.46
- Kaffaljidhma (Gamma Ceti)mag 3.47
- Deneb Kaitos Shemali (Iota Ceti)mag 3.56
- Al Naymat (Theta Ceti)mag 3.60
Can you see Cetus 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 | Cetus |
|---|---|
| 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 Cetus
When is Cetus best seen?
Cetus stands highest in the sky at 9 pm local time in December. 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 Cetus?
The brightest star in Cetus is Diphda (Beta Ceti), magnitude 2.04.
Where on Earth can you see Cetus?
The whole of Cetus can be seen from latitudes between about 79°S and 65°N. From 40°N: The whole constellation rises and sets. From 35°S: The whole constellation rises and sets.
What does Cetus mean?
Cetus is Latin for "the Sea Monster". One of Ptolemy's 48 ancient constellations (2nd century).