Constellation · Crt
Crater
The Cup
A faint constellation south of Leo and Virgo; its brightest stars are only about magnitude 3.6.
Magnitude 3.56
Highest in the sky at 9 pm local time (spring 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 Crater
Brightest first. A lower magnitude means a brighter star.
- Labr (Delta Crateris)mag 3.56
- Alkes (Alpha Crateris)mag 4.08
- Al Sharasif (Beta Crateris)mag 4.46
Can you see Crater 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 | Crater |
|---|---|
| 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 Crater
When is Crater best seen?
Crater stands highest in the sky at 9 pm local time in April. That makes spring evenings the best time for observers in the northern hemisphere; in the southern hemisphere the season is reversed.
What is the brightest star in Crater?
The brightest star in Crater is Labr (Delta Crateris), magnitude 3.56.
Where on Earth can you see Crater?
The whole of Crater can be seen from latitudes between about 90°S and 65°N. From 40°N: The whole constellation rises and sets. From 35°S: The whole constellation rises and sets.
What does Crater mean?
Crater is Latin for "the Cup". One of Ptolemy's 48 ancient constellations (2nd century).