Constellation · Equ
Equuleus
The Little Horse
The second-smallest constellation, a tiny, faint group next to Pegasus and Delphinus.
Magnitude 3.92
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 Equuleus
Brightest first. A lower magnitude means a brighter star.
- Kitalpha (Alpha Equulei)mag 3.92
Can you see Equuleus 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 | Equuleus |
|---|---|
| 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 Equuleus
When is Equuleus best seen?
Equuleus 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 Equuleus?
The brightest star in Equuleus is Kitalpha (Alpha Equulei), magnitude 3.92.
Where on Earth can you see Equuleus?
The whole of Equuleus can be seen from latitudes between about 77°S and 90°N. From 40°N: The whole constellation rises and sets. From 35°S: The whole constellation rises and sets.
What does Equuleus mean?
Equuleus is Latin for "the Little Horse". One of Ptolemy's 48 ancient constellations (2nd century).