description Delphinus Overview
Delphinus is a small constellation in the northern sky whose name is Latin for dolphin. It is traditionally associated with a dolphin in Greek mythology and was included among the 48 constellations recorded by the astronomer Ptolemy in the second century. Its five principal stars form a compact asterism often called Job's Coffin, giving the constellation a distinctive roughly diamond-shaped outline.
help Delphinus FAQ
Why is Delphinus called the Dolphin constellation?
Delphinus is Latin for dolphin, and Greek mythology connects the figure with a dolphin associated with Poseidon and Amphitrite. The constellation was among the 48 recorded by Ptolemy in the 2nd century.
How many main stars does Delphinus have?
It is usually described as having five principal stars, forming a compact diamond or kite with a tail. The constellation covers about 189 square degrees in the modern 88-constellation system.
Which bright stars mark Delphinus?
The two brightest are Alpha Delphini, also called Sualocin, and Beta Delphini, also called Rotanev. They are around magnitude 3.8 and 3.6 respectively, so Delphinus is visible but not one of the sky's brightest constellations.
Where should I look for Delphinus?
It lies near the celestial equator and is close to Aquila, Sagitta, Vulpecula, Equuleus, Aquarius, and Pegasus. A useful guide is to find the compact four-star diamond and the fifth star that forms the dolphin's tail.
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