Capricornus constellation: how to find it, when to see it and what is in it
In short
Capricornus (Cap) is a equatorial constellation covering 414 square degrees, number 40 of 88 by size. Its brightest star is Deneb Algedi, a white star, magnitude 2.9. It is best seen in the evening in September. Over London it stays low — you need an open southern horizon. Its neighbours in the sky: Aquila, Aquarius, Microscopium, Piscis Austrinus, Sagittarius.
Area: 414 square degrees, 40 of 88 · Neighbours: Aquila, Aquarius, Microscopium, Piscis Austrinus, Sagittarius · Updated 10 October 2026
How to find Capricornus
- 1
When to look
The best time is in September in the evening: in the south, around 22:28.
- 2
Use the neighbours
Find it from the neighbouring constellations: Aquila, Aquarius, Microscopium, Piscis Austrinus.
- 3
Brightest stars
The brightest stars of the figure: Deneb Algedi (2.9ᵐ), Dabih (3.1ᵐ), Algedi (3.6ᵐ).
When it is visible over London
| Month | Where and when | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| January — may | — | not visible, behind the Sun |
| June | in the southeast, around 02:36 | low, needs an open horizon |
| July — november | in the south, around 02:30 | low, needs an open horizon |
| December | in the southwest, around 17:14 | low, needs an open horizon |
Stars of the constellation
| Star | What it is | Magnitude |
|---|---|---|
| Deneb Algedi · δ Cap | white star | 2.9ᵐ |
| Dabih · β Cap | yellow-white main-sequence star | 3.1ᵐ |
| Algedi · α² Cap | yellow giant | 3.6ᵐ |
| Nashira · γ Cap | yellow-white star | 3.7ᵐ |
| ζ Cap | yellow supergiant | 3.7ᵐ |
| Udang · θ Cap | white main-sequence star | 4.1ᵐ |
| ω Cap | red giant | 4.1ᵐ |
| ψ Cap | yellow-white main-sequence star | 4.1ᵐ |
Capricornus FAQ
When is the best time to see Capricornus?
Where is Capricornus in the sky?
What is the brightest star in Capricornus?
Neighbouring and other constellations
Related
Constellation lines: Stellarium, CC BY-SA · star names: IAU WGSN, CC BY 4.0