Capricornus

Capricornus is a zodiac constellation in the southern sky and one of the faintest in the zodiac. Its distinctive triangular shape resembles an arrowhead. It contains the globular cluster M30. The winter solstice was once in Capricornus, giving the Tropic of Capricorn its name.

Location in the Sky

When to Observe

Capricornus is best observed during September. It is located in the SQ4 quadrant and is primarily visible from the southern hemisphere. The constellation contains 9 main stars forming its asterism, with 23 Bayer/Flamsteed designated stars in total. Its brightest star is Deneb Algedi.

Mythology & History

Capricornus is associated with Pan in Greek mythology, who transformed into a sea-goat to escape the monster Typhon. In Babylonian astronomy, it was the goat-fish, a creature with the front half of a goat and the tail of a fish. It is one of the oldest recognized constellations, dating to the Bronze Age.