Constellations for August 2025: Complete Observing Guide
Wondering what constellations to look for in August? This month, we present 5 best-visible constellations! Read on for tips on how to easily spot them and the mythology behind each constellation. To effortlessly locate them in the sky, use the Star Walk 2 astronomy app. Let’s get started!
Contents
- Introduction
- List of August constellations and their stars
- More to see in the August night sky
- Bottom Line: Constellations best visible in August
Introduction
Welcome to the monthly series on the best constellations to observe! In August, the best visible constellations are Sagittarius, Lyra, Telescopium, Scutum, and Corona Australis.
We have organized the 88 officially recognized constellations into twelve groups, one for each month, based on when they’re best visible in the sky. A constellation is considered “best visible” during the month in which it crosses the local meridian at around 9 p.m. In other words, this is the month in which the constellation reaches its highest point in the sky (culmination) at around 9 p.m. local time.
Now, let’s dive into August’s top constellations, listed from the brightest (☆☆☆) to the faintest (☆). To find any of these constellations in just three taps, use the free Star Walk 2 astronomy app.
List of August constellations and their stars
Sagittarius
- Brightness: ☆☆☆
- Visible from: 55°N to 90°S
- Brightest star: Kaus Australis (mag 1.8)
- Best deep-sky objects: Lagoon Nebula (mag 4.6), Great Sagittarius Cluster (mag 5.1)
How to find Sagittarius in the August night sky
Sagittarius, the Archer, is one of the zodiac constellations, meaning the Sun, Moon, and planets regularly pass through it. On August 6-7, 2025, the nearly full Moon will pass through Sagittarius in the evening, helping you pinpoint the location of the constellation — though the Moon's brightness will obscure Sagittarius' stars.
Sagittarius has an unusual shape; its central part resembles a teapot. Once you recognize this teapot shape, finding the constellation becomes much easier. Incidentally, the Teapot asterism points toward the center of our Milky Way Galaxy, where the band of the Milky Way appears broader and brighter.
In the Northern Hemisphere, look low on the southern horizon on August evenings. If you can find the Summer Triangle asterism, imagine a line starting from Deneb, passing through Altair, and pointing toward Sagittarius near the horizon. Slightly west of Sagittarius, you'll see the bright, ruby-red Antares, the "heart" of Scorpius — another notable constellation listed among July’s best constellations.
In the Southern Hemisphere, Sagittarius appears high in the sky, almost directly overhead. Below Sagittarius, you'll easily see the bright, red star Antares in Scorpius.
Myth of the Sagittarius constellation
There are two main Greek myths behind Sagittarius. In one myth, Sagittarius is associated with Crotus, a satyr who is half-man and half-goat; he is also the inventor of archery. He stands guard over Orion, and his arrow points toward Scorpius (if you read our July article, you might remember that Scorpius represents a giant scorpion sent by Gaia to punish Orion).
In the other myth, Sagittarius is Chiron, a centaur famed for his kindness, archery, music, and medicine. One day, he was accidentally shot by a Hydra-poisoned arrow by Hercules. Despite his skill, Chiron was unable to heal himself. He also could not die, because he was immortal, but was suffering from great pain. In order to die, he traded his immortality to free Prometheus from his chains. In honor of his sacrifice, Chiron was placed among the stars.
Lyra
- Brightness: ☆☆
- Visible from: 90°N to 40°S
- Brightest star: Vega (mag 0.0)
- Best deep-sky object: Ring Nebula (mag 8.8)
How to find Lyra in the August night sky
Look directly overhead on a dark summer night in the Northern Hemisphere and find Vega — the brightest star near the zenith. After your eyes adjust, you’ll see a small parallelogram of fainter stars dangling from Vega, with a tiny triangle attached to one corner — that’s Lyra. Vega also marks the middle point of the Summer Triangle, sitting between Deneb and Altair.
In the Southern Hemisphere, look just above the northern horizon for the brightest bluish-white star Vega; the little parallelogram hanging from it is Lyra.
Myth of the Lyra constellation
The Latin name of the constellation Lyra means "lyre", the musical instrument associated with the Greek myth of Orpheus, a musician whose music could charm nature itself. When his bride Eurydice died of a snakebite, Orpheus ventured into the underworld and played so beautifully that the gods let him lead her back — but on the condition that he not look back at her until they reached the surface. Unable to resist, he glanced at her too soon, losing Eurydice forever. Grief-stricken, Orpheus took his own life, and Zeus immortalized his lyre among the stars.
Telescopium
- Brightness: ☆
- Visible from: 30°N to 90°S
- Brightest star: Alpha Telescopii (mag 3.5)
- Best deep-sky object: NGC 6584 (mag 8.3)
How to find Telescopium in the August night sky
To find Telescopium, you'll need a dark sky because even its brightest star, Alpha Telescopii, is dim. The light pollution in big cities won't let you see this star, so you need to get as far away from the city lights as possible. Rural/suburban skies would be perfect.
In the Northern Hemisphere, start looking shortly after sunset. First, locate the brighter nearby constellations: the recognizable teapot of Sagittarius and the curving tail of Scorpius. Telescopium is located beneath these star patterns. However, if the pattern of Scorpius doesn't rise completely above your horizon, Telescopium won't be visible from your location.
Note that from around 40° N (the latitude of New York), Telescopium rises very low over the southern horizon and is often blocked by buildings or obscured by city lights. Observers further south of the Northern Hemisphere will have a better view.
In the Southern Hemisphere, Telescopium rises high and is easily seen above the southwestern horizon, next to Sagittarius and Scorpius. Use these bright constellations as guides to find faint Telescopium.
Myth of the Telescopium constellation
The constellation Telescopium, which represents a telescope, has no associated ancient mythology. French astronomer Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille introduced it in the 18th century while studying the southern skies.
Scutum
- Brightness: ☆
- Visible from: 70°N to 90°S
- Brightest star: Alpha Scuti (mag 3.8)
- Best deep-sky object: Wild Duck Cluster (mag 5.8)
How to find Scutum in the August night sky
Although Scutum has only five stars outlining its shape, it’s noticeable in dark skies due to the rich Milky Way background around it. The constellation lies near Sagittarius and its recognizable Teapot pattern, pointing toward the Milky Way’s center.
In the Northern Hemisphere, look toward the southern horizon — Scutum appears just above Sagittarius. Another helpful guide is Altair, the brightest star in Aquila, that marks the bottom corner of the Summer Triangle. Scutum lies about halfway between Altair and Sagittarius’s Teapot, slightly to the west.
In the Southern Hemisphere, face northwest and use the Summer Triangle as a guide — although here, Altair marks the top of the asterism. Scutum lies approximately 25° west of Altair. Tip: your outstretched hand measures about 20°, and adding your three middle fingers side-by-side adds another 5°.
Myth of the Scutum constellation
Scutum is one of the few constellations not inspired by ancient mythology. It was created in the 17th century by Johannes Hevelius, who named it Scutum Sobiescianum (meaning "Sobieski's Shield") to honor King John III Sobieski of Poland for his 1683 relief of Vienna. Scutum remains one of only two constellations named after real people; the other is Coma Berenices, named after an Egyptian queen.
People have shown incredible ingenuity in creating patterns in the sky. Cat, Fly, Electricity Generator — which of these constellations "exist" in our skies now, and which were excluded from the official list by the International Astronomical Union? Take a look at the strange and often hilarious depictions of constellations in old atlases, and try to guess whether they are still officially recognized by astronomers.
Corona Australis
- Brightness: ☆
- Visible from: 40°N to 90°S
- Brightest star: Meridiana (mag 4.1)
- Best deep-sky object: NGC 6541 (mag 6.3)
How to find Corona Australis in the August night sky
Corona Australis, whose Latin name means "Southern Crown", appears as a curved arc of faint stars that truly resembles a crown. It can be seen under dark skies.
In the Northern Hemisphere, look just below Sagittarius, close to the southern horizon, where the constellation barely rises into view.
In the Southern Hemisphere, Corona Australis is high overhead during August evenings, neatly positioned between Sagittarius and the tail of Scorpius.
Myth of the Corona Australis
There are many myths associated with Corona Australis. One such myth is about Dionysus, the Greek god who traveled to the Underworld to rescue his mother, Semele. After returning safely, he placed his myrtle wreath among the stars, forming the constellation.
More to see in the August night sky
August brings many exciting astronomical events! Highlights include a spectacular alignment of six planets on August 10, one of the year’s most impressive meteor showers — the Perseids — and an exceptionally close meeting of the brightest planets, Venus and Jupiter. Check out our detailed August astronomy guide to ensure you don’t miss any celestial events this month!
Bottom Line: Constellations best visible in August
August offers stunning views of the five constellations — from Sagittarius, which points toward the Milky Way’s center, and brilliant Vega in Lyra, to the faint yet fascinating Telescopium, Scutum, and Corona Australis. Use this guide as your starting point, and let Star Walk 2 help you effortlessly navigate the journey across the night sky!
