Auriga - The CharioteerLearn about the constellation Auriga - The Charioteer, location, facts, mythology, meteor showers and deep space objects.
Auriga is a northern constellation. It was one of the 48 constellations listed by Ptolemy.
Location: Northern Winter 6h RA 40° Dec
This constellation has many open clusters and other deep sky objects because the Milky Way runs through it. The three brightest open clusters are M36, M37 and M38, all of which are visible in binoculars or a small telescope. A larger telescope resolves individual stars.
Auriga Mythology
Auriga is said to represent Myrtilus, the charioteer of King Oenomaus. The king was jealous of anyone who came to seek his daughter's hand in marriage. Being noted for his love of horses, the king announced that all suitors would have to take part in a chariot race against him and, should they lose, pay with their lives.
Auriga Deep Space Objects
There are many open clusters and other objects because the Milky Way runs through it. The three brightest open clusters are M36, M37 and M38, all of which are visible in binoculars or a small telescope in suburban skies.
IC 405 (also known as the Flaming Star Nebula, SH 2-229, or Caldwell 31) is an emission/reflection nebula in the constellation, surrounding the bluish star AE Aurigæ.
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.
| # | Image | Common Name | Constellation | Month | Coords | Direction | Mag | Size (arcmin) | Type | Star Chart |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C31 IC 405 | Flaming Star Nebula | Auriga | Dec | 05h 16.2m RA +34° 16m Dec | Z | 13.00 | 37x10 | Bright Nebula | 🔍︎ | |
| M36 NGC 1960 |  | Pinwheel Cluster | Auriga | Dec | 05h 36.1m RA 34° 08m Dec | SW | 6.30 | 12 | Open Cluster | 🔍︎ |
| M37 NGC 2099 |  | Salt and Pepper Cluster | Auriga | Dec | 05h 52.4m RA 32° 33m Dec | SW | 6.20 | 24 | Open Cluster | 🔍︎ |
| M38 NGC 1912 |  | Starfish Cluster | Auriga | Dec | 05h 28.7m RA 35° 50m Dec | SW | 7.40 | 20 | Open Cluster | 🔍︎ |
More Constellations
| Northern Circumpolar | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Camelopardalis | Cassiopeia | Cepheus | Draco | Lacerta | Ursa Major |
| Ursa Minor |
| Northern Spring | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antlia | Boötes | Cancer | Coma Berenices | Crater | Hydra |
| Leo | Leo Minor | Virgo |
| Northern Summer | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aquila | Corona Borealis | Cygnus | Delphinus | Equuleus | Hercules |
| Libra | Lyra | Ophiuchus | Sagitta | Scutum | Serpens |
| Vulpecula |
| Northern Autumn | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Andromeda | Aquarius | Aries | Capricornus | Pegasus | Pisces |
| Triangulum |
| Northern Winter | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auriga | Canes Venatici | Canis Major | Canis Minor | Cetus | Eridanus |
| Gemini | Lepus | Lynx | Monoceros | Orion | Perseus |
| Taurus |
