Cepheus constellation: how to find it, when to see it and what is in it
In short
Cepheus (Cep) is a northern constellation covering 588 square degrees, number 27 of 88 by size. Its brightest star is Alderamin, a white main-sequence star, magnitude 2.4. It is best seen in the evening in October. Over London it never sets and is visible all year. Its neighbours in the sky: Camelopardalis, Cassiopeia, Cygnus, Draco, Lacerta, Ursa Minor.
Area: 588 square degrees, 27 of 88 · Neighbours: Camelopardalis, Cassiopeia, Cygnus, Draco, Lacerta, Ursa Minor · Updated 10 October 2026
How to find Cepheus
- 1
When to look
The best time is in October in the evening: in the north, around 21:34.
- 2
Use the neighbours
Find it from the neighbouring constellations: Camelopardalis, Cassiopeia, Cygnus, Draco.
- 3
Brightest stars
The brightest stars of the figure: Alderamin (2.4ᵐ), Errai (3.2ᵐ), Alfirk (3.2ᵐ).
When it is visible over London
| Month | Where and when | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| January — february | in the northwest, around 17:41 | in the evening |
| March — june | in the northeast, around 04:47 | before dawn |
| July | in the north, around 03:00 | before dawn |
| August — september | in the north, around 01:33 | around midnight |
| October — december | in the north, around 21:34 | in the evening |
Stars of the constellation
| Star | What it is | Magnitude |
|---|---|---|
| Alderamin · α Cep | white main-sequence star | 2.4ᵐ |
| Errai · γ Cep | orange giant | 3.2ᵐ |
| Alfirk · β Cep | blue-white subgiant | 3.2ᵐ |
| ζ Cep | orange supergiant | 3.3ᵐ |
| ι Cep | orange giant | 3.5ᵐ |
Cepheus FAQ
When is the best time to see Cepheus?
Where is Cepheus in the sky?
What is the brightest star in Cepheus?
Neighbouring and other constellations
Related
Constellation lines: Stellarium, CC BY-SA · star names: IAU WGSN, CC BY 4.0