Constellation · Her
Hercules
Hercules
Holds the Great Globular Cluster (M13), a ball of several hundred thousand stars visible with binoculars. Its central 'Keystone' is the easiest part to find.
Magnitude 2.78, practically tied with Rasalgethi (Alpha¹ Herculis)
Highest in the sky at 9 pm local time (summer 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 Hercules
Brightest first. A lower magnitude means a brighter star.
- Kornephoros (Beta Herculis)mag 2.78
- Rasalgethi (Alpha¹ Herculis)mag 2.78
- Rutilicus (Zeta Herculis)mag 2.81
- Sarin (Delta Herculis)mag 3.12
- Maasym (Lambda Herculis)mag 4.41
- Cujam (Omega Herculis)mag 4.57
Can you see Hercules 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 | Hercules |
|---|---|
| 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 Hercules
When is Hercules best seen?
Hercules stands highest in the sky at 9 pm local time in July. That makes summer evenings the best time for observers in the northern hemisphere; in the southern hemisphere the season is reversed.
What is the brightest star in Hercules?
The brightest star in Hercules is Kornephoros (Beta Herculis), magnitude 2.78 (practically tied with Rasalgethi (Alpha¹ Herculis)).
Where on Earth can you see Hercules?
The whole of Hercules can be seen from latitudes between about 39°S and 90°N. From 40°N: The whole constellation rises and sets. From 35°S: The whole constellation rises and sets.
What does Hercules mean?
Hercules is Latin for "Hercules". One of Ptolemy's 48 ancient constellations (2nd century).