Constellation · Cyg
Cygnus
The Swan
Contains Deneb, a corner of the Summer Triangle, the asterism called the Northern Cross, and the colourful double star Albireo.
Magnitude 1.25
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 Cygnus
Brightest first. A lower magnitude means a brighter star.
- Deneb (Alpha Cygni)mag 1.25
- Sadr (Gamma Cygni)mag 2.23
- Aljanah (Epsilon Cygni)mag 2.48
- Fawaris (Delta Cygni)mag 2.86
- Albireo (Beta¹ Cygni)mag 3.05
- Fawaris (Kappa Cygni)mag 3.80
Can you see Cygnus 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 | Cygnus |
|---|---|
| 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 Cygnus
When is Cygnus best seen?
Cygnus 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 Cygnus?
The brightest star in Cygnus is Deneb (Alpha Cygni), magnitude 1.25.
Where on Earth can you see Cygnus?
The whole of Cygnus can be seen from latitudes between about 29°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 Cygnus mean?
Cygnus is Latin for "the Swan". One of Ptolemy's 48 ancient constellations (2nd century).