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
| Time | Elevation | |
Moonrise, 83.8% illuminated  | 15:29 | -0° |
| Sagittarius rise | 15:29 | |
| Sunset | 17:47 | 19° |
| Civil sunset | 18:16 | 22° |
| Astronomical observing session begins | 18:48 | 24° |
| Sagittarius transit | 19:58 | 26° |
| Sagittarius set | 00:28 | |
| Moonset | 00:52 | -4° |
| Astronomical observing session ends | 03:32 | -34° |
Track Sagittarius Position Throughout the Night
← 24 August 2026 →
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Shift the map to change the time and observe Sagittarius changing position in the night sky.
Nebulae in the constellation Sagittarius
IC1271
Nebula
IC1271 is a nebula with apparent magnitude in the constellation Sagittarius.
IC1274
HII Ionized region
IC1274 is a hii ionized region with apparent magnitude in the constellation Sagittarius, spanning approximately 20 arcseconds in the sky.
IC1275
Nebula
IC1275 is a nebula with apparent magnitude in the constellation Sagittarius.
IC1283
HII Ionized region
IC1283 is a hii ionized region with apparent magnitude in the constellation Sagittarius, spanning approximately 15 arcseconds in the sky.
IC1284
Nebula
IC1284 is a nebula with apparent magnitude 7.70 in the constellation Sagittarius, spanning approximately 17 arcseconds in the sky.
IC1290
Association of stars
IC1290 is an association of stars with apparent magnitude in the constellation Sagittarius.
IC1308
HII Ionized region
IC1308 is a hii ionized region with apparent magnitude in the constellation Sagittarius.
IC4684
Reflection Nebula
IC4684 is a reflection nebula with apparent magnitude in the constellation Sagittarius, spanning approximately 3 arcseconds in the sky.
IC4685
Nebula
IC4685 is a nebula with apparent magnitude in the constellation Sagittarius, spanning approximately 15 arcseconds in the sky.
IC4701
Nebula
IC4701 is a nebula with apparent magnitude in the constellation Sagittarius, spanning approximately 1 arcminute in the sky.
IC4706
Nebula
IC4706 is a nebula with apparent magnitude in the constellation Sagittarius, spanning approximately 3.5 arcseconds in the sky.
IC4707
Nebula
IC4707 is a nebula with apparent magnitude in the constellation Sagittarius, spanning approximately 3.5 arcseconds in the sky.
M24
Association of stars
The Sagittarius Star Cloud, a vast Milky Way star field and nebulous region, visible to the naked eye in the constellation Sagittarius.
M25
Open Cluster
An open star cluster containing over 60 stars, visible to the naked eye under dark skies, located in the constellation Sagittarius.
IC4816
Nova star
IC4816 is a nova star with apparent magnitude 4.50 in the constellation Sagittarius.
NGC6469
Open Cluster
NGC6469 is an open cluster with apparent magnitude 8.20 in the constellation Sagittarius, spanning approximately 9 arcseconds in the sky.
NGC6476
Association of stars
NGC6476 is an association of stars with apparent magnitude in the constellation Sagittarius.
M23
Open Cluster
An open star cluster containing approximately 150 stars, located near the Lagoon Nebula in the constellation Sagittarius.
NGC6506
Open Cluster
NGC6506 is an open cluster with apparent magnitude in the constellation Sagittarius.
NGC6507
Open Cluster
NGC6507 is an open cluster with apparent magnitude 9.60 in the constellation Sagittarius, spanning approximately 4.8 arcseconds in the sky.
M20
Nebula
The Trifid Nebula, an emission nebula and star-forming region, characterized by its three-lobed appearance, located in the constellation Sagittarius.
NGC6520
Open Cluster
NGC6520 is an open cluster with apparent magnitude 7.60 in the constellation Sagittarius, spanning approximately 5.4 arcseconds in the sky.
NGC6522
Globular Cluster
NGC6522 is a globular cluster with apparent magnitude 9.48 in the constellation Sagittarius, spanning approximately 3.9 arcseconds in the sky.
M8
Nebula
The Lagoon Nebula, a large emission nebula and star-forming region, visible to the naked eye in the constellation Sagittarius.
NGC6526
Nebula
NGC6526 is a nebula with apparent magnitude in the constellation Sagittarius, spanning approximately 40 arcseconds in the sky.
NGC6529
Association of stars
NGC6529 is an association of stars with apparent magnitude in the constellation Sagittarius.
NGC6530
Star cluster + Nebula
NGC6530 is a star cluster + nebula with apparent magnitude 4.60 in the constellation Sagittarius, spanning approximately 6 arcseconds in the sky.
M21
Open Cluster
An open star cluster containing over 80 stars, located near the Trifid Nebula in the constellation Sagittarius.
NGC6540
Globular Cluster
NGC6540 is a globular cluster with apparent magnitude in the constellation Sagittarius, spanning approximately 4.1 arcseconds in the sky.
NGC6544
Globular Cluster
NGC6544 is a globular cluster with apparent magnitude 9.90 in the constellation Sagittarius, spanning approximately 6 arcseconds in the sky.
NGC6546
Open Cluster
NGC6546 is an open cluster with apparent magnitude 8.00 in the constellation Sagittarius, spanning approximately 6.9 arcseconds in the sky.
NGC6553
Globular Cluster
NGC6553 is a globular cluster with apparent magnitude 9.08 in the constellation Sagittarius, spanning approximately 5.4 arcseconds in the sky.
NGC6554
Open Cluster
NGC6554 is an open cluster with apparent magnitude in the constellation Sagittarius, spanning approximately 8.7 arcseconds in the sky.
NGC6556
Association of stars
NGC6556 is an association of stars with apparent magnitude in the constellation Sagittarius.
NGC6559
Nebula
NGC6559 is a nebula with apparent magnitude in the constellation Sagittarius, spanning approximately 15 arcseconds in the sky.
NGC6561
Open Cluster
NGC6561 is an open cluster with apparent magnitude in the constellation Sagittarius, spanning approximately 6 arcseconds in the sky.
NGC6568
Open Cluster
NGC6568 is an open cluster with apparent magnitude 8.60 in the constellation Sagittarius, spanning approximately 7.8 arcseconds in the sky.
NGC6569
Globular Cluster
NGC6569 is a globular cluster with apparent magnitude 9.47 in the constellation Sagittarius, spanning approximately 4.5 arcseconds in the sky.
NGC6573
Association of stars
NGC6573 is an association of stars with apparent magnitude in the constellation Sagittarius, spanning approximately 3.2 arcseconds in the sky.
NGC6583
Open Cluster
NGC6583 is an open cluster with apparent magnitude 10.00 in the constellation Sagittarius, spanning approximately 3.6 arcseconds in the sky.
NGC6590
Reflection Nebula
NGC6590 is a reflection nebula with apparent magnitude 9.80 in the constellation Sagittarius, spanning approximately 4 arcseconds in the sky.
NGC6596
Open Cluster
NGC6596 is an open cluster with apparent magnitude in the constellation Sagittarius, spanning approximately 6.6 arcseconds in the sky.
M18
Open Cluster
A young open star cluster containing over 20 stars, located approximately 4,900 light-years away in the constellation Sagittarius.
M17
Nebula
The Omega Nebula, a bright emission nebula and star-forming region, located approximately 5,500 light-years away in the constellation Sagittarius.
NGC6624
Globular Cluster
NGC6624 is a globular cluster with apparent magnitude in the constellation Sagittarius, spanning approximately 3.3 arcseconds in the sky.
M28
Globular Cluster
A globular cluster containing hundreds of thousands of stars, located approximately 18,000 light-years away in the constellation Sagittarius.
M69
Globular Cluster
A globular cluster containing hundreds of thousands of stars, located approximately 29,700 light-years away in the constellation Sagittarius.
NGC6638
Globular Cluster
NGC6638 is a globular cluster with apparent magnitude 9.68 in the constellation Sagittarius, spanning approximately 4.2 arcseconds in the sky.
NGC6645
Open Cluster
NGC6645 is an open cluster with apparent magnitude 8.50 in the constellation Sagittarius, spanning approximately 5.4 arcseconds in the sky.
NGC6647
Open Cluster
NGC6647 is an open cluster with apparent magnitude 8.00 in the constellation Sagittarius, spanning approximately 3.6 arcseconds in the sky.
NGC6652
Globular Cluster
NGC6652 is a globular cluster with apparent magnitude 9.75 in the constellation Sagittarius, spanning approximately 5.1 arcseconds in the sky.
M22
Globular Cluster
One of the brightest globular clusters in the night sky, containing over 70,000 stars, located in the constellation Sagittarius.
M70
Globular Cluster
A globular cluster containing hundreds of thousands of stars, located approximately 29,300 light-years away in the constellation Sagittarius.
NGC6698
Open Cluster
NGC6698 is an open cluster with apparent magnitude in the constellation Sagittarius, spanning approximately 5 arcseconds in the sky.
M54
Globular Cluster
A globular cluster containing hundreds of thousands of stars, part of the Sagittarius Dwarf Elliptical Galaxy, located approximately 87,000 light-years away.
NGC6716
Open Cluster
NGC6716 is an open cluster with apparent magnitude 7.50 in the constellation Sagittarius, spanning approximately 7.2 arcseconds in the sky.
NGC6723
Globular Cluster
NGC6723 is a globular cluster with apparent magnitude in the constellation Sagittarius, spanning approximately 9.3 arcseconds in the sky.
NGC6737
Open Cluster
NGC6737 is an open cluster with apparent magnitude in the constellation Sagittarius, spanning approximately 6.6 arcseconds in the sky.
NGC6774
Open Cluster
NGC6774 is an open cluster with apparent magnitude in the constellation Sagittarius, spanning approximately 30 arcseconds in the sky.
M55
Globular Cluster
A globular cluster containing hundreds of thousands of stars, located approximately 17,300 light-years away in the constellation Sagittarius.
NGC6818
Planetary Nebula
NGC6818 is a planetary nebula with apparent magnitude 9.30 in the constellation Sagittarius, spanning approximately 0.8 arcseconds in the sky.
M75
Globular Cluster
A globular cluster containing hundreds of thousands of stars, located approximately 67,500 light-years away in the constellation Sagittarius.
Annual motion of Sagittarius
| Date | Mon, 24 August 2026 |
| Twilight start | 19:18 |
| Twilight end | 02:51 |
| Twilight duration | 8h 34m |
| Rise | 15:25 |
| Set | 00:24 |
| Elevation at transit | 26° |
| Transit time | 19:54 |
| Equatorial coordinates | RA: 19h 00m 55s", Dec: -26° 35' 18s |
| Magnitude | - |
| Constellation |
The graph illustrates the constellation’s annual visibility pattern and its daily rise, set, and transit times throughout the year.
The vertical axis shows the hours of the day, while the horizontal axis spans the days of the year.
The reddish area marks when the constellation is above the horizon. The white line shows when it reaches its highest point in the sky. View detailed visibility information in a table with rise, transit, and set times for each date.
The vertical axis shows the hours of the day, while the horizontal axis spans the days of the year.
The reddish area marks when the constellation is above the horizon. The white line shows when it reaches its highest point in the sky. View detailed visibility information in a table with rise, transit, and set times for each date.
Acknowledgements
We gratefully acknowledge the International Astronomical Union (IAU) for defining and standardizing the official constellation boundaries used in celestial mapping.
Special thanks to Sky & Telescope Magazine and contributors Roger Sinnott and Rick Fienberg for producing the charts and tables. Alan MacRobert’s constellation patterns were influenced by the work of H. A. Rey and adjusted to align with earlier traditions.