Aquila constellation
Aquila (the Eagle) is a constellation on the celestial equator, best seen in the evening in August. Its brightest star is Altair (magnitude 0.77). Aquila covers 653 square degrees and is the 22nd-largest of the 88 constellations.
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Detailed star map of Aquila
Facts
| Latin name | Aquila (genitive: Aquilae) |
|---|---|
| Abbreviation | Aql |
| Meaning | the Eagle |
| Area | 653 square degrees (22nd of 88) |
| Location | right ascension 19.6 h, declination +3° |
| Visible from | latitudes 78° N to 71° S (whole constellation) |
| Best month | August (at about 9 pm) |
| Brightest star | Altair |
| Stars brighter than magnitude 6 | 70 |
| Named stars (IAU) | 5 |
| Messier objects | none |
| Neighbors | Aquarius, Capricornus, Delphinus, Hercules, Ophiuchus, Scutum, Serpens, Sagitta, Sagittarius |
How to find Aquila
From 40° N (the USA, southern Europe, Japan) look south in August evenings: at about 9 pm Aquila stands highest, around 53° above the southern horizon. From 35° S (Australia, South Africa, Argentina) it is highest in the north, about 52° above the horizon. The months before and after (July and September) are also good: then it is up a couple of hours earlier or later.
Aquila borders Aquarius, Capricornus, Delphinus, Hercules, Ophiuchus, Scutum, Serpens, Sagitta and Sagittarius.
Asterisms with stars in Aquila: Summer Triangle.
Stars of Aquila
Aquila has 70 stars brighter than magnitude 6, the limit of the naked eye under a dark sky. These are the brightest:
| Star | Designation | Magnitude | Type | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Altair | α Aquilae | 0.77 | A7V | 17 ly |
| Tarazed | γ Aquilae | 2.72 | K3II | 583 ly |
| Okab | ζ Aquilae | 2.99 | A0Vn | 85 ly |
| — | θ Aquilae | 3.23 | B9.5III | — |
| — | δ Aquilae | 3.36 | F3IV | — |
| — | λ Aquilae | 3.44 | B9Vn | — |
| Alshain | β Aquilae | 3.71 | G8IV | 44 ly |
| — | η Aquilae | 3.9 | F6Ib | — |
| — | 12 Aquilae | 4.02 | K1III | — |
| — | ε Aquilae | 4.02 | K1-IIICN0.5Ba0.2 | — |
| — | 71 Aquilae | 4.32 | G7.5IIIa | — |
| — | ι Aquilae | 4.36 | B5III | — |
Printable Aquila map and outline
A black and white version for printing and a plain outline of the Aquila figure, useful for school projects, worksheets and learning to recognize the shape.
History
Aquila is one of the 48 constellations listed by Ptolemy in the Almagest (2nd century AD). Its official boundary was drawn by Eugène Delporte for the International Astronomical Union in 1930.
Questions about Aquila
What is the brightest star in Aquila?
Altair, at magnitude 0.77, about 17 light-years away.
When can you see Aquila?
Aquila is best seen in the evening in August. The whole constellation is visible from latitudes between 78° N and 71° S.
How many stars are in Aquila?
70 stars in Aquila are brighter than magnitude 6 and can be seen with the naked eye under a dark sky; 5 of them have official IAU names.
What does Aquila mean?
Aquila means “the Eagle” in Latin. Its abbreviation is Aql and the genitive, used in star names such as α Aquilae, is Aquilae.
