Aquarius constellation: how to find it, when to see it and what is in it
In short
Aquarius (Aqr) is a equatorial constellation covering 980 square degrees, number 10 of 88 by size. Its brightest star is Sadalsuud, a yellow supergiant, magnitude 2.9. It is best seen in the evening in October. Over London it rises and sets and is well placed in its season. Its neighbours in the sky: Aquila, Capricornus, Cetus, Delphinus, Equuleus, Pegasus, Piscis Austrinus, Pisces, Sculptor.
Area: 980 square degrees, 10 of 88 · Neighbours: Aquila, Capricornus, Cetus, Delphinus, Equuleus, Pegasus, Piscis Austrinus, Pisces, Sculptor · Updated 10 October 2026
How to find Aquarius
- 1
When to look
The best time is in October in the evening: in the south, around 21:49.
- 2
Use the neighbours
Find it from the neighbouring constellations: Aquila, Capricornus, Cetus, Delphinus.
- 3
Brightest stars
The brightest stars of the figure: Sadalsuud (2.9ᵐ), Sadalmelik (3.0ᵐ), Skat (3.3ᵐ).
When it is visible over London
| Month | Where and when | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| January | in the southwest, around 17:41 | low, needs an open horizon |
| February — may | — | not visible, behind the Sun |
| June | in the southeast, around 02:36 | low, needs an open horizon |
| July | in the south, around 03:00 | before dawn |
| August — september | in the south, around 01:48 | around midnight |
| October — december | in the south, around 21:49 | in the evening |
Stars of the constellation
| Star | What it is | Magnitude |
|---|---|---|
| Sadalsuud · β Aqr | yellow supergiant | 2.9ᵐ |
| Sadalmelik · α Aqr | yellow supergiant | 3.0ᵐ |
| Skat · δ Aqr | white main-sequence star | 3.3ᵐ |
| Safina · 88 Aqr | orange giant | 3.7ᵐ |
| Shatabhisha · λ Aqr | red giant | 3.7ᵐ |
| Albali · ε Aqr | white main-sequence star | 3.8ᵐ |
| Sadachbia · γ Aqr | white main-sequence star | 3.8ᵐ |
| 98 Aqr | orange giant | 4.0ᵐ |
Aquarius FAQ
When is the best time to see Aquarius?
Where is Aquarius in the sky?
What is the brightest star in Aquarius?
Neighbouring and other constellations
Related
Constellation lines: Stellarium, CC BY-SA · star names: IAU WGSN, CC BY 4.0