Auriga constellation: how to find it, when to see it and what is in it
In short
Auriga (Aur) is a northern constellation covering 657 square degrees, number 21 of 88 by size. Its brightest star is Capella, a yellow giant, magnitude 0.1. It is best seen in the evening in January. Over London it never sets and is visible all year. Its neighbours in the sky: Camelopardalis, Gemini, Lynx, Perseus, Taurus.
Area: 657 square degrees, 21 of 88 · Neighbours: Camelopardalis, Gemini, Lynx, Perseus, Taurus · Updated 10 October 2026
How to find Auriga
- 1
When to look
The best time is in January in the evening: in the south, around 21:41.
- 2
Use the neighbours
Find it from the neighbouring constellations: Camelopardalis, Gemini, Lynx, Perseus.
- 3
Brightest stars
The brightest stars of the figure: Capella (0.1ᵐ), Elnath (1.6ᵐ), Menkalinan (1.9ᵐ).
When it is visible over London
| Month | Where and when | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| January | in the south, around 21:41 | around midnight |
| February | in the south, around 19:44 | in the evening |
| March | in the southwest, around 19:17 | in the evening |
| April | in the west, around 21:16 | in the evening |
| May | in the northwest, around 22:24 | low, needs an open horizon |
| June | — | not visible, behind the Sun |
| July | in the northeast, around 03:00 | low, needs an open horizon |
| August | in the east, around 04:18 | before dawn |
| September | in the southeast, around 05:13 | before dawn |
| October | in the south, around 04:49 | before dawn |
| November — december | in the south, around 01:43 | around midnight |
Stars of the constellation
| Star | What it is | Magnitude |
|---|---|---|
| Capella · α Aur | yellow giant | 0.1ᵐ |
| Elnath · β Tau | blue-white giant | 1.6ᵐ |
| Menkalinan · β Aur | white subgiant | 1.9ᵐ |
| Mahasim · θ Aur | white star | 2.6ᵐ |
| Hassaleh · ι Aur | orange bright giant | 2.7ᵐ |
| Saclateni · ζ Aur | orange bright giant | 3.8ᵐ |
Auriga FAQ
When is the best time to see Auriga?
Where is Auriga in the sky?
What is the brightest star in Auriga?
Neighbouring and other constellations
Related
Constellation lines: Stellarium, CC BY-SA · star names: IAU WGSN, CC BY 4.0