Aquila

Modern astronomical convention

Aquila

Aquila is one of the 88 named regions used by astronomers to describe locations in the sky. Its familiar connecting lines are a visual guide, rather than the official boundary of the constellation.

The lines connect selected stars as seen from Earth; they do not mean that the stars are physically next to one another.

People around the world have given these stars different figures and stories. This is one interpretation. Lines are recognition aids, rather than official constellation boundaries.

Finding Aquila

Above the horizon. Clear skies and a dark enough view are still needed. The figure’s centre is toward the west in this preview.

Use the bright reference stars below to recognise the shape. A complete drawing can extend outside the current camera window, even when its stars are above the horizon. Open its guide in Sky Timeline to compare the stars with an illustrated interpretation where available.

Bright reference stars

Altair

Magnitude 0.8

Tarazed

Magnitude 2.7

Lower magnitude numbers mean brighter stars. Clouds, nearby lighting and moonlight change what your eyes can pick out.

Explore another night

Visibility changes with place, season and time. Move through the night to see the object rise, cross the sky and set, while weather remains a separate estimate.