What it looks like
Pegasus is a large northern constellation drawn as a winged horse, though only its front half is usually shown. Its most recognisable feature is the Great Square, formed by four stars including Alpheratz (shared with Andromeda). The constellation is a key signpost of the autumn sky.
Brightest stars
Pegasus is anchored by Enif, its brightest star, and by the four stars of the Great Square.
| Star | Magnitude | Distance | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enif (ε Pegasi) | +2.39 | 690 ly | Nose |
| Markab (α Pegasi) | +2.49 | 140 ly | Saddle |
| Scheat (β Pegasi) | +2.42 | 196 ly | Foreleg |
| Algenib (γ Pegasi) | +2.83 | 390 ly | Wing |
Mythology and history
In Greek myth, Pegasus was the winged horse that sprang from Medusa's blood and carried Bellerophon into battle against the Chimera.
The winged horse
Pegasus was born from the blood of Medusa when Perseus beheaded her. He was tamed by Bellerophon with the help of Athena's golden bridle, and together they defeated the Chimera and the Amazons. When Bellerophon tried to fly to Mount Olympus, Zeus sent a gadfly to unseat him, and Pegasus continued alone to the home of the gods, where he carried Zeus's thunderbolts. He was placed in the sky by Zeus as reward for his service.
How to find it
Look for the Great Square — four stars forming a large, nearly empty square — high in the autumn sky.
- The Great Square is the easiest landmark in the autumn sky.
- Alpheratz at the northeast corner is shared with Andromeda.
- Best on autumn evenings from the northern hemisphere.
Key facts
- Abbreviation
- Peg
- Genitive
- Pegasi
- Meaning
- The Winged Horse
- Brightest star
- Enif
- Main stars
- 9
- Area rank
- 7th
- Best visible
- October
- Declination
- +20°
- Meteor showers
- July Pegasids
- Neighbours
- Andromeda, Lacerta, Cygnus, Vulpecula, Delphinus, Equuleus, Aquarius, Pisces
Deep-sky objects
Pegasus contains M15, one of the densest globular clusters in the Milky Way, and NGC 7331, a bright spiral galaxy often compared to our own. Stephan's Quintet, a group of five interacting galaxies, lies just across the border in the Pegasus–Andromeda region.
Frequently asked questions
What does the constellation Pegasus look like?
Pegasus is a large northern constellation known as the Winged Horse, marked by the Great Square — a prominent asterism of four stars that helps locate Andromeda and Pisces.
What is the brightest star in Pegasus?
The brightest star in Pegasus is Enif, shining at around magnitude 2.39.
When is Pegasus best visible?
Pegasus is best seen from both hemispheres during October.
What is the story behind Pegasus?
In Greek myth, Pegasus was the winged horse that sprang from Medusa's blood and carried Bellerophon into battle against the Chimera.
Which constellations are near Pegasus?
Pegasus borders Andromeda, Lacerta, Cygnus, Vulpecula, Delphinus, Equuleus, Aquarius and Pisces.
Andromeda
Pisces