Constellation · Lac
Lacerta
The Lizard
A small zigzag of faint stars between Cygnus and Andromeda, lying in the Milky Way.
Magnitude 3.76
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
Can you see Lacerta 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 | Lacerta |
|---|---|
| 60°N | Visible all night, all year (it never 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 | Never rises |
Questions about Lacerta
When is Lacerta best seen?
Lacerta stands highest in the sky at 9 pm local time in October. 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 Lacerta?
The brightest star in Lacerta is Alpha Lacertae, magnitude 3.76.
Where on Earth can you see Lacerta?
The whole of Lacerta can be seen from latitudes between about 33°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 Lacerta mean?
Lacerta is Latin for "the Lizard". Introduced by Johannes Hevelius in the late 1600s.