Constellation · Corona Borealis · CrB
Corona Borealis constellation: how to find it, when to see it and what is in it
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In short
Corona Borealis (CrB) is a northern constellation covering 179 square degrees, number 73 of 88 by size. Its brightest star is Alphecca, a white main-sequence star, magnitude 2.2. It is best seen in the evening in July. Over London it rises and sets and is well placed in its season. Its neighbours in the sky: Boötes, Hercules, Serpens.
Area: 179 square degrees, 73 of 88 · Neighbours: Boötes, Hercules, Serpens · Updated 10 October 2026
How to find Corona Borealis
- 1
When to look
The best time is in July in the evening: in the southwest, around 23:00.
- 2
Use the neighbours
Find it from the neighbouring constellations: Boötes, Hercules, Serpens.
- 3
Brightest stars
The brightest stars of the figure: Alphecca (2.2ᵐ), Nusakan (3.7ᵐ), Baltesha (3.8ᵐ).
When it is visible over London
| Month | Where and when | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| January | in the southeast, around 06:26 | before dawn |
| February — april | in the south, around 05:44 | before dawn |
| May | in the south, around 01:09 | around midnight |
| June | in the south, around 23:21 | in the evening |
| July — august | in the southwest, around 23:00 | in the evening |
| September — november | in the west, around 20:28 | in the evening |
| December | in the east, around 06:29 | before dawn |
Stars of the constellation
| Star | What it is | Magnitude |
|---|---|---|
| Alphecca · α CrB | white main-sequence star | 2.2ᵐ |
| Nusakan · β CrB | yellow-white star | 3.7ᵐ |
| Baltesha · γ CrB | blue-white subgiant | 3.8ᵐ |
| Guansuo · θ CrB | blue-white main-sequence star | 4.1ᵐ |
| ε CrB | orange giant | 4.2ᵐ |
| Matrichakra · δ CrB | yellow giant | 4.6ᵐ |
| Aurwandilsta · ι CrB | white star | 5.0ᵐ |
Corona Borealis FAQ
When is the best time to see Corona Borealis?
Corona Borealis is best seen in the evening in July. Over London it rises and sets and is well placed in its season.
Where is Corona Borealis in the sky?
Corona Borealis is a northern constellation. Its neighbours: Boötes, Hercules, Serpens.
What is the brightest star in Corona Borealis?
Alphecca — a white main-sequence star, magnitude 2.2.
Neighbouring and other constellations
Related
Constellation lines: Stellarium, CC BY-SA · star names: IAU WGSN, CC BY 4.0