IAU Constellation (Lyr) · Genitive: Lyrae · Northern Sky

Lyra Constellation Guide & Deep-Sky Map

Lyra IAU constellation guide: compact 286 sq deg summer constellation hosting zero-point star Vega, the Ring Nebula (M57), and Double Double (Epsilon Lyrae).

Solid-Angle Area286 sq deg (Rank #52 of 88)
Best Evening MonthAugust
Visibility Latitudes+90° to −40°
Brightest StarVega (Alpha Lyrae) (+0.026)

Sky Navigation & Astrophysical Context

Although Lyra ranks only 52nd in area among the 88 IAU constellations at 286 square degrees, its compact parallelogram of third- and fourth-magnitude stars anchored by brilliant Vega (Alpha Lyrae, V = +0.026) makes it one of the most rewarding telescope fields in the sky.

Just 1.4° northeast of Vega sits Epsilon Lyrae, the celebrated 'Double Double' quadruple star system that serves as an optical benchmark for both binoculars (splitting the 208-arcsecond pair) and 100 mm+ telescopes (resolving the sub-2.5-arcsecond sub-binaries).

At the southern base of the Lyre's parallelogram, almost exactly halfway between Beta Lyrae (Sheliak) and Gamma Lyrae (Sulafat), lies the Ring Nebula (Messier 57)—making it one of the easiest planetary nebulae in the sky to center without automated GoTo mounts.

Bordering IAU Constellations: Draco, Hercules, Vulpecula, Cygnus.

Equatorial Center Position & Transit Altitude

Lyra is centered near Right Ascension 18h 51m 00s, Declination +36° 00′ 00″ (The Lyre (Harp)).

J2000 Equatorial Sky Position (Lyra) +90° 0° −90° 24h 12h RA 0h Peak Meridian Altitude 86° 40°N Lat 24° 30°S Lat RA: 18h 51m 00s Dec: +36° 00′ 00″ Epoch: J2000.0 · 286 sq deg (Rank #52) First-party vector diagram derived from IAU / CDS SIMBAD / Gaia DR3 astrometry.

Practical Star-Hopping & Observing Tips

  • Find Vega high overhead on summer evenings; the compact parallelogram of Lyra hangs immediately to its southeast.
  • Aim exactly midway between Beta and Gamma Lyrae to place the Ring Nebula (M57) in the center of a low-power eyepiece, then increase magnification to 120×+.
  • Test atmospheric seeing on Epsilon Lyrae: 150× magnification cleanly resolves all four white A-type components.

Notable Celestial Objects in & Near Lyra

Cataloged Stars and Deep-Sky Objects Associated with Lyra
ObjectFamilyClassificationRA (J2000)Dec (J2000)Min. Instrument
Vega (Alpha Lyrae Zero-Point Star)starsRapidly rotating A-type main-sequence star with debris disk18h 36m 56.34s+38° 47′ 01.3″Naked eye
Ring Nebula (Messier 57 in Lyra)nebulaePlanetary nebula (bipolar barrel viewed nearly pole-on)18h 53m 35.08s+33° 01′ 45.0″60–80 mm telescope (stellar in 10×50 binoculars)
Epsilon Lyrae (The Double Double Star)multiple-starsHierarchical quadruple (and quintuple) A/F-type multiple star system18h 44m 20.30s+39° 40′ 12.4″Binoculars for wide 208″ pair; 60–80 mm telescope at 140×+ for all four components
RR Lyrae (Horizontal-Branch Standard Candle)variable-starsPrototype RR Lyrae pulsating horizontal-branch Population II variable star19h 25m 27.93s+42° 47′ 03.7″10×50 binoculars or any 50–80 mm telescope
Sheliak (Beta Lyrae Mass-Transfer Binary)variable-starsPrototype Beta Lyrae semidetached eclipsing & mass-transferring binary18h 50m 04.80s+33° 21′ 45.6″Naked eye for 12.94-day eclipse cycle; 50 mm telescope for 45.7″ companion B

Scientific Sources Cited