Cepheus

Cepheus is a northern circumpolar constellation resembling a child's drawing of a house. It contains the famous variable star Delta Cephei, the prototype of Cepheid variables used as standard candles for measuring cosmic distances. The Garnet Star (Mu Cephei) is one of the largest and most luminous stars known.

Location in the Sky

When to Observe

Cepheus is best observed during November. It is located in the NQ4 quadrant and is primarily visible from the northern hemisphere. The constellation contains 7 main stars forming its asterism, with 43 Bayer/Flamsteed designated stars in total. Its brightest star is Alderamin.

Mythology & History

In Greek mythology, Cepheus was the king of Aethiopia, husband of Cassiopeia and father of Andromeda. When his wife's vanity offended Poseidon, Cepheus was told he must sacrifice his daughter to the sea monster Cetus. After Perseus rescued Andromeda, the entire royal family was placed among the stars.