Constellation · Lup
Lupus
The Wolf
A southern constellation beside Scorpius and Centaurus, lying in the Milky Way.
Magnitude 2.30
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 Lupus
Brightest first. A lower magnitude means a brighter star.
- Men (Alpha Lupi)mag 2.30
- KeKouan (Beta Lupi)mag 2.68
Can you see Lupus 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 | Lupus |
|---|---|
| 60°N | Only part of it ever clears the horizon |
| 40°N | Only part of it ever clears the horizon |
| 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 Lupus
When is Lupus best seen?
Lupus stands highest in the sky at 9 pm local time in June. 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 Lupus?
The brightest star in Lupus is Men (Alpha Lupi), magnitude 2.30.
Where on Earth can you see Lupus?
The whole of Lupus can be seen from latitudes between about 90°S and 34°N. From 40°N: Only part of it ever clears the horizon. From 35°S: The whole constellation rises and sets.
What does Lupus mean?
Lupus is Latin for "the Wolf". One of Ptolemy's 48 ancient constellations (2nd century).