Constellation · Ret
Reticulum
The Reticle
A small diamond of stars named for the eyepiece grid (reticle) astronomers use to measure star positions.
Magnitude 3.33
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
Can you see Reticulum 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 | Reticulum |
|---|---|
| 60°N | Never rises |
| 40°N | Never rises |
| 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 | Visible all night, all year (it never sets) |
| 60°S | Visible all night, all year (it never sets) |
Questions about Reticulum
When is Reticulum best seen?
Reticulum stands highest in the sky at 9 pm local time in January. 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 Reticulum?
The brightest star in Reticulum is Alpha Reticuli, magnitude 3.33.
Where on Earth can you see Reticulum?
The whole of Reticulum can be seen from latitudes between about 90°S and 23°N. From 40°N: Never rises. From 35°S: The whole constellation rises and sets.
What does Reticulum mean?
Reticulum is Latin for "the Reticle". Introduced by Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille in the 1750s.