The Cetus constellation
Cet · Catalogue stars: 30
Why this name?
In Greek myth, Cetus is the sea monster to which Andromeda was to be sacrificed. The familiar name ‘Whale’, used in some languages, conveys the ancient figure only approximately.
A little history
The constellation has been known since antiquity. Old charts often show a fantastic creature with paws, a toothy mouth and a fish’s tail.
Data
- IAU code
- Cet
- Catalogue stars
- 30
- Messier objects
- 1
- Brightest star
- Diphda · 2.0ᵐ
Messier objects
Stars
Stars (HIP)
- HIP 5364 · 3.5ᵐ · K2III
- HIP 8102 · 3.5ᵐ · G8V
- HIP 1562 · 3.6ᵐ · K2III
- HIP 6537 · 3.6ᵐ · K0III
- HIP 9347 · 4.0ᵐ · K5/M0III
- HIP 12387 · 4.1ᵐ · B2IV
- HIP 12770 · 4.2ᵐ · B7IV
- HIP 12828 · 4.3ᵐ · F1III-IV
- HIP 11484 · 4.3ᵐ · B9III
- HIP 10324 · 4.4ᵐ · G8II:
- HIP 1170 · 4.4ᵐ · M1III
- HIP 301 · 4.5ᵐ · B9IVn
- HIP 8497 · 4.7ᵐ · F3III
- HIP 13954 · 4.7ᵐ · B6III
- HIP 11783 · 4.7ᵐ · F5V
- HIP 3455 · 4.8ᵐ · K0IIIvar
- HIP 4147 · 4.8ᵐ · M0III
- HIP 12390 · 4.8ᵐ · F5V
- HIP 15457 · 4.8ᵐ · G5Vvar
- HIP 12093 · 4.9ᵐ · G8III
Altitude above the horizon by latitude
| Latitude | Maximum altitude | Rise azimuth |
|---|---|---|
| +60° | 24° | 102° |
| +55° | 29° | 101° |
| +45° | 39° | 99° |
| +30° | 54° | 97° |
| 0° | 84° | 96° |
| −35° | 61° | 98° |
Geometric altitude at upper culmination, atmospheric refraction not included. Positive latitudes are in the northern hemisphere.
Culmination time by month
| Month | Culmination |
|---|---|
| January | 18:02 |
| February | 15:54 |
| March | 14:09 |
| April | 12:16 |
| May | 10:21 |
| June | 08:15 |
| July | 06:11 |
| August | 04:10 |
| September | 02:17 |
| October | 00:28 |
| November | 22:28 |
| December | 20:19 |
Upper culmination in local solar time — no time-zone or daylight-saving correction applied.
Neighbouring constellations
In brief
Which is the brightest star in Cetus?
Diphda — 2.0ᵐ.