Constellation · Sge
Sagitta
The Arrow
The third-smallest constellation, a tiny arrow-shaped group in the Milky Way near the Summer Triangle.
Magnitude 3.51
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 Sagitta
Brightest first. A lower magnitude means a brighter star.
- Sham (Alpha Sagittae)mag 4.39
Can you see Sagitta 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 | Sagitta |
|---|---|
| 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 | The whole constellation rises and sets |
Questions about Sagitta
When is Sagitta best seen?
Sagitta stands highest in the sky at 9 pm local time in September. 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 Sagitta?
The brightest star in Sagitta is Gamma Sagittae, magnitude 3.51.
Where on Earth can you see Sagitta?
The whole of Sagitta can be seen from latitudes between about 68°S and 90°N. From 40°N: The whole constellation rises and sets. From 35°S: The whole constellation rises and sets.
What does Sagitta mean?
Sagitta is Latin for "the Arrow". One of Ptolemy's 48 ancient constellations (2nd century).