SkyEye

Capricornus

The Sea Goat

Abbreviation:Cap
Genitive:Capricorni
Origin:[antiquity]
Fully Visible:90°S – 62°N

Capricornus is a member of the zodiac. This is one of the most ancient of constellations, harking back to Babylonia and before. The planet Neptune was discovered near the star δ Cap (Deneb Algedi) on 23 September 1846.

The constellation of Capricornus

Notable Features

Visible Named Stars
α² Cap Algedi Algedi is a wide double star that is easily visible through binoculars. It sometimes appears as Prima Giedi in older star atlases and catalogues. It also appears as Shimalih Saad al Dzabihh (from the Arabic shamāliy saʿad al‑dhābiḥ meaning 'the northern lucky star of the slaughterer') in Mohammad Al Achsasi Al Mouakket's calendarium and as Gredi in Antonín Bečvář's Atlas of the Heavens — Ⅱ Catalogue 1950.0.
β¹ Cap Dabih Dabih is another wide double star. It sometimes appears as Dabih Major in older star atlases and catalogues.
γ Cap Nashira This star sometimes appears as Nashira Prima or Nashira Prior in older star atlases and catalogues.
δ Cap Deneb Algedi Contrary to expectation, this star is the brightest one in the constellation. It sometimes appears as Nashira Posterior or Scheddi in older star atlases and catalogues.
ν Cap Alshat This fifth-magnitude star is a binary.
Deep Sky Objects
M30 This globular cluster is easily seen but not resolved into stars with binoculars or a small telescope.
Meteor Shower Radiants
001 Cap α Capricornids This minor shower is active throughout July and the first half of August, peaking near the end of July. The parent body of this shower is comet 169P/NEAT.