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Sky-Tonight.com / Constellations / Sagittarius
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This Earth map fragment is intended to illustrate celestial motion across the sky, emphasizing both bearing and elevational perspectives. The map's center point corresponds to the transit, showcasing celestial objects at their highest point, while elevation gradually decreases towards the map edges. This dynamic representation offers insights into the changing positions of celestial bodies with a focus on their bearing and elevational trajectories.
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Longitude:
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Sagittarius Constellation

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Sagittarius, the archer, is a constellation symbolized by a centaur holding a bow and arrow, notable for pointing toward the center of the Milky Way galaxy.

Sagittarius (The Archer)

Sagittarius is one of the most well-known constellations, representing an archer, often depicted as a centaur aiming a bow and arrow. It is a prominent constellation in the Southern Hemisphere and one of the twelve zodiac signs. Sagittarius is known for its rich mythological ties and significant astronomical features.

Key Features

  • Bright Stars: Sagittarius contains several bright stars that outline the archer:
    • Rukbat: The brightest star in Sagittarius, a yellow giant located about 170 light-years away.
    • Alnasl: A giant star marking the point of the arrow, located about 85 light-years away.
    • Kaus Australis: A bright blue giant star marking the tail of the archer’s bow.
    • Kaus Borealis: A binary star system that forms part of the archer’s figure.
  • Deep-Sky Objects: Sagittarius is home to some notable deep-sky objects:
    • Messier 22 (M22): A large and bright globular cluster, one of the most studied in the Milky Way.
    • Messier 8 (M8, The Lagoon Nebula): A bright emission nebula containing numerous young stars and stellar nurseries.
    • Messier 17 (M17, The Omega Nebula): A well-known emission nebula, resembling the shape of a starship.
    • Sagittarius A*: A supermassive black hole located at the center of our galaxy.

Mythological Background

In Greek mythology, Sagittarius is often associated with the centaur Chiron, a wise and noble figure who was skilled in healing, music, and archery. Unlike other centaurs, Chiron was kind and well-respected. According to the myth, Chiron was accidentally wounded by an arrow and, unable to heal himself, gave up his immortality to end his suffering. In recognition of his wisdom and sacrifices, Chiron was placed among the stars as Sagittarius.

Some versions of the myth also associate Sagittarius with the archer-god Apollo, who was skilled in both the arts of archery and prophecy.

Cultural Significance

Sagittarius has been a symbol of strength, independence, and exploration. In astrology, individuals born under the sign of Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21) are often seen as adventurous, optimistic, and freedom-loving. The constellation also holds significant importance in navigation, particularly in the Southern Hemisphere, where it is visible during the summer months. Its location near the center of the Milky Way makes it a key region for astronomers studying the galaxy’s structure.

Sagittarius Rise and Set Timetable

TimeElevation
Moon Rise, 87.7% illuminated17:00-78°
Astrosession begin21:32-37°
Sagittarius Rise00:54
Moon Set04:4725°
Sagittarius Transit05:2226°
Astrosession end05:2226°
Civil sunrise05:5725°
Sunrise06:2824°
Sagittarius Set09:50

Track Sagittarius Position Throughout the Night

← Fri, 9 May 2025 →

Elevation (degrees)
Time
Altitude
Azimuth
Shift the map to change the time and observe Sagittarius changing position in the night sky.

Annual motion of Sagittarius

Time
DateFri, 9 May 2025
Twighlight start22:05
Twighlight end04:39
Twighlight duration7h 34m
Rise00:54
Set09:50
Elevation at transit26°
Transit time05:22
Equatorial coordinatesRA: 19h 00m 55s", Dec: -26° 35' 18s
Magnitude-
Constellation
The graph illustrates the annual visibility pattern of a Sagittarius, providing a comprehensive overview of its daily appearances and transit times throughout the year.
The graph is structured with the vertical axis showing the hours of the day, ranging from 12 AM to 12 AM the next day, while the horizontal axis spans each day of the year.
The reddish shaded area indicates the periods when the Sagittarius is above the horizon, visible to observers. The white line marks the times when the celestial object reaches its highest point in the sky each day, known as the transit.

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.