Constellation · Sgr
Sagittarius
The Archer
A zodiac constellation in the direction of the centre of the Milky Way. Its brightest stars form the 'Teapot' asterism.
Magnitude 1.79
Highest in the sky at 9 pm local time (summer 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 Sagittarius
Brightest first. A lower magnitude means a brighter star.
- Kaus Australis (Epsilon Sagittarii)mag 1.79
- Nunki (Sigma Sagittarii)mag 2.05
- Ascella (Zeta Sagittarii)mag 2.60
- Kaus Media (Delta Sagittarii)mag 2.72
- Kaus Borealis (Lambda Sagittarii)mag 2.82
- Albaldah (Pi Sagittarii)mag 2.88
Can you see Sagittarius 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 | Sagittarius |
|---|---|
| 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 Sagittarius
When is Sagittarius best seen?
Sagittarius stands highest in the sky at 9 pm local time in August. That makes summer evenings the best time for observers in the northern hemisphere; in the southern hemisphere the season is reversed.
What is the brightest star in Sagittarius?
The brightest star in Sagittarius is Kaus Australis (Epsilon Sagittarii), magnitude 1.79.
Where on Earth can you see Sagittarius?
The whole of Sagittarius can be seen from latitudes between about 90°S and 45°N. From 40°N: The whole constellation rises and sets. From 35°S: The whole constellation rises and sets.
What does Sagittarius mean?
Sagittarius is Latin for "the Archer". One of Ptolemy's 48 ancient constellations (2nd century).