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Sky-Tonight.com / Brightest Stars / Capella
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Observation Settings

Or select it on the map:
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.
Your location: Santa Clara, United States
Timezone:
Latitude:
37.3541
Longitude:
-121.955

Capella Observation Details

Capella

Capella Daily Motion


Capella will be visible until May, 6, when it will move too close to the Sun. During this time, its proximity to the Sun will cause it to disappear from the night sky, making it unobservable for a while.

Capella Visibility Timetable on August 30

Capella Rise and Set Timetable

TimeElevation
Moon Rise, 36.6% illuminated10:5734°
Astrosession begin19:12-5°
Capella rise20:21
Moon Set20:422°
Astrosession end03:0559°
Civil sunrise04:1070°
Sunrise04:3874°
Capella transit05:4881°

Track Capella Position Throughout the Night

← Sat, 30 August 2025 →

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

Where is Capella right now?

Capella is located in the constellation Auriga, at right ascension 05h 16m 41s" and declination 45° 59' 52s. Although it is currently above the horizon at an altitude of 72 degrees, Capella is not visible because it is daytime.

Capella - Binary Star System

Capella is the brightest star in the constellation Auriga and the sixth-brightest star in the night sky. It is a binary star system consisting of two giant stars, Capella Aa and Capella Ab.

Capella is approximately 42.9 light-years away from Earth. Both stars are larger and more luminous than the Sun, and they orbit each other every 104 days.

Finder Chart for Capella

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Object nameCapella
Field of view
Limiting magnitude
Capella coordinates5.27815, 45.997991
Center coordinates5.27815, 45.997991

Capella Passage Through Night

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Current position of Capella

Time04:24
Latitude37.3541
Longitude-121.955
Capella elevation72°
Capella Azimuth-54°
Here you can see the current position of the Capella on the map, as well as its positions for rise and set. This tool allows you to track the Capella's movement throughout the night, providing you with accurate and up-to-date information.

Annual motion of Capella

Time
DateSun, 31 August 2025
Twighlight start19:06
Twighlight end02:59
Twighlight duration8h 54m
Rise20:17
Set15:11
Elevation at transit81°
Transit time05:44
Equatorial coordinatesRA: 05h 16m 41s", Dec: 45° 59' 52s
Magnitude0
ConstellationAuriga
The graph illustrates the annual visibility pattern of a Capella, 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 Capella 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.

Astrometric & Physical Parameters of Capella

Coordinates & Visibility

Right Ascension5.27815°
Declination45.997991°
Magnitude0.08
ConstellationAuriga
Elevation72.1°
Azimuth-54.4°