Constellation · PsA
Piscis Austrinus
The Southern Fish
Contains Fomalhaut, the brightest star of the autumn sky for northern observers, which stands alone low in the south.
Magnitude 1.17
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 Piscis Austrinus
Brightest first. A lower magnitude means a brighter star.
- Fomalhaut (Alpha Piscis Austrini)mag 1.17
- Fum al Hui (Beta Piscis Austrini)mag 4.29
Can you see Piscis Austrinus 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 | Piscis Austrinus |
|---|---|
| 60°N | Only part of it ever clears the horizon |
| 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 | The whole constellation rises and sets |
Questions about Piscis Austrinus
When is Piscis Austrinus best seen?
Piscis Austrinus 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 Piscis Austrinus?
The brightest star in Piscis Austrinus is Fomalhaut (Alpha Piscis Austrini), magnitude 1.17.
Where on Earth can you see Piscis Austrinus?
The whole of Piscis Austrinus can be seen from latitudes between about 90°S and 54°N. From 40°N: The whole constellation rises and sets. From 35°S: The whole constellation rises and sets.
What does Piscis Austrinus mean?
Piscis Austrinus is Latin for "the Southern Fish". One of Ptolemy's 48 ancient constellations (2nd century).