Aquarius - The Water-Bearer

Learn about the constellation Aquarius - The Water-Bearer, location, facts, mythology, meteor showers and deep space objects.

Aquarius is one of the oldest recognized constellations along the zodiac, the sun's apparent path.

Location: Northern Autumn 23h RA -15° Dec

It is found in a region often called the Sea due to its profusion of watery constellations such as Cetus, Pisces, Eridanus, etc. Sometimes, the river Eridanus is depicted spilling from Aquarius' watering pot.

Aquarius Mythology

The best-known myth originates from Greece and identifies Aquarius with Ganymede, a beautiful youth with whom Zeus fell in love. Zeus, in the disguise of an eagle, represented by the constellation Aquila, carried off to Olympus to be cupbearer to the gods. Crater is sometimes identified as his cup.

Aquarius Deep Space Objects

Aquarius is home to several deep space objects, notably clusters M2, M72 and M73.

You can also find several galaxies NGC 7009, the Saturn Nebula, and the Helix Nebula NGC 7293.

In this table, the observation month represents the month in which the object reaches its highest point in the sky. It can also be viewed a few months before and after depending on your location. Direction is the compass direction in which the object is located, with Z meaning Zenith or overhead.