Constellation · Peg
Pegasus
The Winged Horse
Known for the Great Square of Pegasus, a large square of four stars that signals autumn.
Magnitude 2.38
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 Pegasus
Brightest first. A lower magnitude means a brighter star.
- Enif (Epsilon Pegasi)mag 2.38
- Scheat (Beta Pegasi)mag 2.44
- Markab (Alpha Pegasi)mag 2.49
- Algenib (Gamma Pegasi)mag 2.83
- Matar (Eta Pegasi)mag 2.93
- Homam (Zeta Pegasi)mag 3.41
Can you see Pegasus 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 | Pegasus |
|---|---|
| 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 | Only part of it ever clears the horizon |
Questions about Pegasus
When is Pegasus best seen?
Pegasus 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 Pegasus?
The brightest star in Pegasus is Enif (Epsilon Pegasi), magnitude 2.38.
Where on Earth can you see Pegasus?
The whole of Pegasus can be seen from latitudes between about 53°S and 90°N. From 40°N: The whole constellation rises and sets. From 35°S: The whole constellation rises and sets.
What does Pegasus mean?
Pegasus is Latin for "the Winged Horse". One of Ptolemy's 48 ancient constellations (2nd century).