Constellation · Vul
Vulpecula
The Fox
A faint constellation in the Milky Way that contains the Dumbbell Nebula (M27), a bright planetary nebula.
Magnitude 4.44
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 Vulpecula
Brightest first. A lower magnitude means a brighter star.
- Anser (Alpha Vulpeculae)mag 4.44
Can you see Vulpecula 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 | Vulpecula |
|---|---|
| 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 Vulpecula
When is Vulpecula best seen?
Vulpecula 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 Vulpecula?
The brightest star in Vulpecula is Anser (Alpha Vulpeculae), magnitude 4.44.
Where on Earth can you see Vulpecula?
The whole of Vulpecula can be seen from latitudes between about 60°S and 90°N. From 40°N: The whole constellation rises and sets. From 35°S: The whole constellation rises and sets.
What does Vulpecula mean?
Vulpecula is Latin for "the Fox". Introduced by Johannes Hevelius in the late 1600s.