Constellation · Del
Delphinus
The Dolphin
A small, easily recognised diamond of stars with a short tail, near Aquila and the Summer Triangle.
Magnitude 3.64
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 Delphinus
Brightest first. A lower magnitude means a brighter star.
- Rotanev (Beta Delphini)mag 3.64
- Sualocin (Alpha Delphini)mag 3.77
- Aldulfin (Epsilon Delphini)mag 4.03
- Al Salib (Gamma² Delphini)mag 4.27
- Al Ukud (Delta Delphini)mag 4.43
- Musicamag 5.51
Can you see Delphinus 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 | Delphinus |
|---|---|
| 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 Delphinus
When is Delphinus best seen?
Delphinus 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 Delphinus?
The brightest star in Delphinus is Rotanev (Beta Delphini), magnitude 3.64.
Where on Earth can you see Delphinus?
The whole of Delphinus can be seen from latitudes between about 69°S and 90°N. From 40°N: The whole constellation rises and sets. From 35°S: The whole constellation rises and sets.
What does Delphinus mean?
Delphinus is Latin for "the Dolphin". One of Ptolemy's 48 ancient constellations (2nd century).