What it looks like
Pisces is a large but faint zodiac constellation in the northern celestial hemisphere, drawn as two fish connected by a cord.
Brightest stars
Pisces has no star brighter than third magnitude, making it one of the faintest zodiac constellations.
| Star | Magnitude | Distance | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| η Piscium | +3.62 | 294 ly | — |
| γ Piscium | +3.70 | 138 ly | — |
Mythology and history
In Greek myth, Pisces represents Aphrodite and Eros, who transformed into fish to escape the monster Typhon.
Babylonian roots
The constellation may descend from Babylonian star catalogues.
How to find it
Look for the Circlet asterism south of the Great Square of Pegasus.
- Use the Great Square of Pegasus as your starting point.
- Look on autumn evenings from dark skies.
Key facts
- Abbreviation
- Psc
- Genitive
- Piscium
- Meaning
- The Fishes
- Brightest star
- η Piscium
- Main stars
- 18
- Area rank
- 14th
- Best visible
- October–November
- Declination
- +15°
- Meteor showers
- Piscids
- Neighbours
- Aries, Triangulum, Andromeda, Pegasus, Aquarius, Cetus
Deep-sky objects
M74, a spiral galaxy, lies in Pisces.
Frequently asked questions
What does the constellation Pisces look like?
Pisces is a zodiac constellation known as the Fishes, depicted as two fish joined by a cord.
What is the brightest star in Pisces?
The brightest star in Pisces is η Piscium, shining at around magnitude 3.62.
When is Pisces best visible?
Pisces is best seen from both hemispheres during October–November.
What is the story behind Pisces?
In Greek myth, Pisces represents Aphrodite and Eros, who transformed into fish to escape the monster Typhon.
Which constellations are near Pisces?
Pisces borders Aries, Triangulum, Andromeda, Pegasus, Aquarius and Cetus.
Aries
Aquarius