The Cepheus constellation
Cep · Catalogue stars: 22
Why this name?
Cepheus is a mythical king, Cassiopeia’s husband and Andromeda’s father. His name connects the constellation with the story of Perseus rescuing Andromeda.
A little history
It is one of the constellations in Ptolemy’s catalogue. European star charts depicted Cepheus as a crowned king beside Cassiopeia.
Data
- IAU code
- Cep
- Catalogue stars
- 22
- Messier objects
- 0
- Brightest star
- Alderamin · 2.5ᵐ
Stars
Stars (HIP)
- HIP 109492 · 3.4ᵐ · K1Ibv SB
- HIP 102422 · 3.4ᵐ · K0IV
- HIP 112724 · 3.5ᵐ · K0III
- HIP 110991 · 4.1ᵐ · G2Ibvar
- HIP 109857 · 4.2ᵐ · F0IV
- HIP 101093 · 4.2ᵐ · A7III
- HIP 107259 · 4.2ᵐ · M2Ia
- HIP 5372 · 4.2ᵐ · K2II-III
- HIP 107418 · 4.3ᵐ · A2Iavar
- HIP 99255 · 4.4ᵐ · B9III
- HIP 114222 · 4.4ᵐ · G2III
- HIP 102431 · 4.5ᵐ · F8IV-V
- HIP 107119 · 4.5ᵐ · K0III
- HIP 113116 · 4.7ᵐ · K4III
- HIP 115088 · 4.8ᵐ · K0III
- HIP 106801 · 4.8ᵐ · B2Ib
- HIP 112519 · 4.8ᵐ · K3III
- HIP 109400 · 4.8ᵐ · G8III
Altitude above the horizon by latitude
| Latitude | Maximum altitude | Rise azimuth |
|---|---|---|
| +60° | 78° · never sets | — |
| +55° | 73° · never sets | — |
| +45° | 63° · never sets | — |
| +30° | 48° · never sets | — |
| 0° | 18° | 18° |
| −35° | never rises | — |
Geometric altitude at upper culmination, atmospheric refraction not included. Positive latitudes are in the northern hemisphere.
Culmination time by month
| Month | Culmination |
|---|---|
| January | 14:21 |
| February | 12:14 |
| March | 10:29 |
| April | 08:35 |
| May | 06:41 |
| June | 04:35 |
| July | 02:31 |
| August | 00:30 |
| September | 22:37 |
| October | 20:48 |
| November | 18:47 |
| December | 16:39 |
Upper culmination in local solar time — no time-zone or daylight-saving correction applied.
Neighbouring constellations
In brief
Which is the brightest star in Cepheus?
Alderamin — 2.5ᵐ.