Constellation · Per
Perseus
The Hero
Holds the Double Cluster and the eclipsing 'Demon Star' Algol. The Perseid meteor shower radiates from here each August.
Magnitude 1.79
Highest in the sky at 9 pm local time (winter 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 Perseus
Brightest first. A lower magnitude means a brighter star.
- Mirfak (Alpha Persei)mag 1.79
- Algol (Beta Persei)mag 2.09
- Atik (Zeta Persei)mag 2.84
- Gorgonea Tertia (Rho Persei)mag 3.32
- Miram (Eta Persei)mag 3.77
- Misam (Kappa Persei)mag 3.79
Can you see Perseus 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 | Perseus |
|---|---|
| 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 Perseus
When is Perseus best seen?
Perseus stands highest in the sky at 9 pm local time in December. That makes winter evenings the best time for observers in the northern hemisphere; in the southern hemisphere the season is reversed.
What is the brightest star in Perseus?
The brightest star in Perseus is Mirfak (Alpha Persei), magnitude 1.79.
Where on Earth can you see Perseus?
The whole of Perseus can be seen from latitudes between about 31°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 Perseus mean?
Perseus is Latin for "the Hero". One of Ptolemy's 48 ancient constellations (2nd century).