Hercules - The Son of Zeus

Learn about the constellation Hercules - The Son of Zeus, location, facts, mythology, meteor showers and deep space objects.

The stars of the constellation Hercules can be connected in an alternative way, which graphically shows the hero in an athletic pose and holding a club.

Location: Northern Summer 17h RA 30° Dec

The solar apex, i.e., the point in the sky which marks the direction that the Sun is moving in its orbit around the centre of the Milky Way, is located within Hercules, close to Vega in neighbouring Lyra. Hercules contains two of the most conspicuous globular clusters: M13, the brightest globular cluster in the northern hemisphere, and M92.

Hercules Mythology

Hercules was the demigod son of Zeus and Alcmene. One of the most widely known Greek heroes, he is best known for his superhuman strength, strong emotions, quickness to act, and often poorly thought-out plans. Many stories are told of his life, the most important of which is the story of The Twelve Labours.

Hercules Deep Space Objects

Hercules contains two bright globular clusters: M13, the brightest globular cluster in the northern hemisphere, and M92. NGC 6229 is a dimmer globular cluster, the third brightest in Hercules.

NGC 6210 is a planetary nebula of the 9th magnitude.

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.