Autumn Constellations: Explore the Star Patterns of the Season
Sky Map
Celectial bearing and elevation at 23:54
As the Earth orbits the Sun, different constellations come into view depending on the season and your location on the planet. For observers in the Northern Hemisphere, winter may bring the bright stars of Orion and Taurus, while those in the Southern Hemisphere might see different celestial patterns, like the Southern Cross, dominating their night skies. The constellations you can see also shift as the year progresses—spring, summer, and autumn each bring their own set of star patterns, visible from one hemisphere or another. Use our seasonal guides to discover what’s visible from your location, and learn about the key stars and constellations that light up the sky during each season.
Triangulum
Constellation
Triangulum, the triangle, is a small constellation in the northern sky known for containing the Triangulum Galaxy (M33), a member of the Local Group.
Aries
Constellation
Aries, the ram, is a zodiac constellation located in the northern celestial hemisphere, associated with the story of the Golden Fleece in Greek mythology.
Cassiopeia
Constellation
Cassiopeia, representing a mythical queen, is a W-shaped constellation prominent in the northern sky and easy to recognize due to its unique shape.
Andromeda
Constellation
Andromeda, named after the mythical princess, is a constellation in the northern sky known for containing the Andromeda Galaxy, the nearest large galaxy to the Milky Way.
Perseus
Constellation
Perseus, named after the Greek hero, is a constellation known for the Perseid meteor shower and the star Algol, also called the Demon Star.
Pisces
Constellation
Pisces, the fish, is a zodiac constellation representing two fish tied together by their tails and is associated with the Greek myth of Aphrodite and Eros.
Cetus
Constellation
Cetus, the sea monster or whale, is a constellation in the celestial equator associated with the Greek myth of Andromeda and Perseus.
Acknowledgements
We gratefully acknowledge the International Astronomical Union (IAU) for defining and standardizing the official constellation boundaries, which provide a consistent framework for celestial mapping.
Special thanks to Sky & Telescope Magazine and contributors Roger Sinnott and Rick Fienberg for their collaboration in producing the charts and tables. The constellation patterns, drawn by Alan MacRobert, were influenced by the work of H. A. Rey and thoughtfully adjusted to align with earlier traditions.