Constellation · Scl
Sculptor
The Sculptor
A faint constellation lying over the south galactic pole, with the Sculptor Galaxy (NGC 253) and many other galaxies visible through a telescope.
Magnitude 4.30
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
Can you see Sculptor 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 | Sculptor |
|---|---|
| 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 Sculptor
When is Sculptor best seen?
Sculptor stands highest in the sky at 9 pm local time in November. 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 Sculptor?
The brightest star in Sculptor is Alpha Sculptoris, magnitude 4.30.
Where on Earth can you see Sculptor?
The whole of Sculptor can be seen from latitudes between about 90°S and 51°N. From 40°N: The whole constellation rises and sets. From 35°S: The whole constellation rises and sets.
What does Sculptor mean?
Sculptor is Latin for "the Sculptor". Introduced by Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille in the 1750s.