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Aquila Constellation
Constellation Aquila the Eagle Star Map

Aquila, the Eagle (Aql)

(ACK-will-uh)


The Northern constellation of Aquila, the Eagle, is best viewed in Fall during the month of September.

Aquila is the 22nd largest constellation. It's brightest star is Altair at magnitude 0.76. The boundary of the Aquila constellation contains 9 stars that host known exoplanets.

Aquila is an equatorial constellation, which means its bulk intersects the celestial equator or comes within 10-15 degrees of doing so. Aquila is visible from most places on Earth.

      1. Pronunciation:
      2. ACK-will-uh
      1. Meaning:
      2. Eagle
      1. Genitive:
      2. Aquilae
      1. Abbreviation:
      2. Aql
      1. Asterism:
      2. Summer Triangle
      1. Constellation Family:
      2. Hercules
      1. Hemisphere:
      2. Northern
      1. Quadrant:
      2. NQ4
      1. Visibility:
      2. 90° N - 75° S
      1. Best viewing month*:
      2. September
      1. Area:
      2. 652 sq. degrees
      1. Size:
      2. 22nd largest
      1. Equatorial:
      2. Yes
      1. Right Ascension (avg):
      2. 19h 41m
      1. Declination (avg):
      2. 3°
      1. Brightest star:
      2. Altair  (0.76)
      1. Stars with planets:
      2. 9


    Brightest Stars in Aquila

    The 10 brightest stars in the constellation Aquila by magnitude.

        1. Star
        2. Magnitude
        3. Spectral class


      Double Stars in Aquila

      These are the brightest and easiest-to-find double, triple, and quadruple star systems in the constellation Aquila . Also see all star clusters.

          1. Star system
          2. Magnitudes
          3. Type
          1. Struve 2404
          2. 6.9, 7.8
          3. double
          1. 57 Aquilae
          2. 5.7, 6.4
          3. double


        Star Clusters in Aquila

        The most notable and easy-to-find star clusters in the constellation Aquila . Also see all star clusters.

            1. Star cluster
            2. Catalog #
            3. Cluster type


          Nebulae in Aquila

          Notable and easy-to-find nebulae in the constellation Aquila . Also see all nebulae.

              1. Nebula name
              2. Catalog #
              3. Nebula type


            Neutron Stars in Aquila

            These are the most well-known neutron stars in the constellation Aquila. Although neutron stars cannot be seen in any amateur telescope, they are at the center of many supernova remnant nebulae, which can be seen. Also see all neutron stars.

                1. Neutron star
                3. Type


              Black Holes in Aquila

              These are the most well-known smaller (non-supermassive) black holes in the constellation Aquila. Although black holes cannot be seen directly, the smaller ones are at the center of some star clusters and supernova remnant nebulae, which can be seen. Supermassive black holes are at the center of most galaxies, such as Sagittarius A* at the center of our Milky Way galaxy. Also see all black holes.

                  1. Black hole
                  3. Type
                  1. Manatee Nebula
                  1. SS 433
                  3. stellar
                  1. V1487 Aql
                  3. stellar
                  1. W49B


                The Cosmic Eagle

                Aquila, or 'The Eagle,' is a constellation rich in history and astronomical significance. Situated along the celestial equator, Aquila is home to several notable stars and deep sky objects. This constellation's striking arrangement of stars, coupled with its visibility from both the Northern and Southern hemispheres, make Aquila a favourite amongst astronomers.

                History and Mythology

                The constellation Aquila dates back to ancient times and is recognized in numerous cultural mythologies. Most famously, in Greek mythology, Aquila is identified as the eagle that carried Zeus's thunderbolts. The constellation was also recognized by the ancient Romans, Arabs, and the Chinese, who saw the main stars of Aquila as part of the much larger Azure Dragon.

                Location and Features

                Aquila is located in the fourth quadrant of the Northern hemisphere, but can be seen between latitudes +90? and -75?. Its position along the Milky Way means that it is surrounded by numerous other constellations, including Serpens Cauda, Sagittarius, Capricornus, Aquarius, Delphinus, Vulpecula, and Hercules.

                The brightest star in Aquila is Altair, or Alpha Aquilae, which forms part of the Summer Triangle asterism along with Vega and Deneb. Altair, the twelfth brightest star in the night sky, is a white main sequence star located about 16.7 light-years away from Earth. Its rapid rotation causes the star to be oblate, with its equatorial diameter being over 20% greater than its polar diameter.

                Deep Sky Objects

                While the stars of Aquila are of great interest, the constellation also contains several fascinating deep sky objects. The Phantom Streak Nebula (NGC 6741) is a planetary nebula that appears as a small, faint disk in amateur telescopes. The Glowing Eye Nebula (NGC 6751), another planetary nebula, is noted for its complex shell structure and high degree of ionization.

                Aquila also contains numerous open clusters and multiple star systems. The open cluster NGC 6709 is a notable target, appearing as a hazy patch of light in a small telescope. Its brightest stars form a pattern that resembles the Greek letter Pi.

                Observing Aquila

                Aquila is best seen in the summer months in the Northern Hemisphere. From June to October, it is visible high in the sky from most locations. Given the brightness of Altair, and its location within the Summer Triangle, the constellation is relatively easy to spot.

                While many of its deep sky objects may require a telescope to be seen clearly, the constellation's form, and especially its brightest star, Altair, can be appreciated with the naked eye. This makes Aquila an excellent constellation for both beginner stargazers and seasoned astronomers alike.



                * Constellation shown for northen hemisphere skies. For the southern hemisphere, constellations appear rotated 180 degrees (upside-down and left-right reversed) from what is shown. Remember that seasons are reversed too - summer in northern latitudes is winter in southern latitudes.

                ** Circumpolar constellations are visible year-round in the hemisphere listed (and not at all in the opposite hemisphere).