Aquila constellation: how to find it, when to see it and what is in it
In short
Aquila (Aql) is a equatorial constellation covering 652 square degrees, number 22 of 88 by size. Its brightest star is Altair, a white main-sequence star, magnitude 0.8. It is best seen in the evening in August. Over London it rises and sets and is well placed in its season. Its neighbours in the sky: Aquarius, Capricornus, Delphinus, Hercules, Ophiuchus, Scutum, Serpens, Sagitta, Sagittarius.
Area: 652 square degrees, 22 of 88 · Neighbours: Aquarius, Capricornus, Delphinus, Hercules, Ophiuchus, Scutum, Serpens, Sagitta, Sagittarius · Updated 10 October 2026
How to find Aquila
- 1
When to look
The best time is in August in the evening: in the south, around 23:03.
- 2
Use the neighbours
Find it from the neighbouring constellations: Aquarius, Capricornus, Delphinus, Hercules.
- 3
Brightest stars
The brightest stars of the figure: Altair (0.8ᵐ), Tarazed (2.7ᵐ), Okab (3.0ᵐ).
When it is visible over London
| Month | Where and when | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| January | — | not visible, behind the Sun |
| February | in the east, around 05:44 | before dawn |
| March — may | in the southeast, around 04:47 | before dawn |
| June | in the south, around 02:36 | before dawn |
| July | in the south, around 01:00 | around midnight |
| August — october | in the south, around 23:03 | in the evening |
| November — december | in the southwest, around 17:28 | in the evening |
Stars of the constellation
| Star | What it is | Magnitude |
|---|---|---|
| Altair · α Aql | white main-sequence star | 0.8ᵐ |
| Tarazed · γ Aql | orange bright giant | 2.7ᵐ |
| Okab · ζ Aql | white main-sequence star | 3.0ᵐ |
| Antinous · θ Aql | blue-white giant | 3.2ᵐ |
| Guqi · δ Aql | yellow-white subgiant | 3.4ᵐ |
| λ Aql | blue-white main-sequence star | 3.4ᵐ |
| Alshain · β Aql | yellow subgiant | 3.7ᵐ |
| Pagru · η Aql | yellow-white supergiant | 3.9ᵐ |
Aquila FAQ
When is the best time to see Aquila?
Where is Aquila in the sky?
What is the brightest star in Aquila?
Neighbouring and other constellations
Related
Constellation lines: Stellarium, CC BY-SA · star names: IAU WGSN, CC BY 4.0