Andromeda

Andromeda, the Chained Maiden, is a northern constellation best known for containing the Andromeda Galaxy (M31), the most distant object visible to the naked eye at about 2.5 million light-years. M31 is the largest galaxy in our Local Group and is on a collision course with the Milky Way, expected to merge in about 4.5 billion years.

The Perseus family groups constellations connected by the Greek myth of Perseus, the hero who slew Medusa and rescued Andromeda. This family includes some of the most prominent autumn constellations in the northern sky. The constellations tell a connected story: King Cepheus and Queen Cassiopeia of Ethiopia, their daughter Andromeda chained to a rock, the hero Perseus arriving on Pegasus, and Cetus the sea monster — all placed in the sky as a complete mythological tableau.

Mythology & History

The Perseus myth is one of the most complete stories preserved in the constellations. Cassiopeia's boast that she was more beautiful than the sea nymphs angered Poseidon, who sent Cetus to ravage the coast. The oracle declared Andromeda must be sacrificed, but Perseus — fresh from beheading Medusa — turned the monster to stone with the Gorgon's head. Perseus married Andromeda, and all the characters were later placed among the stars. The variable star Algol (Beta Persei) was associated with Medusa's winking eye, and its regular brightness changes were noted by ancient Egyptian astronomers as early as 1244 BC.

Observation Tips

The Perseus family constellations are best seen in autumn and winter from northern latitudes. Cassiopeia's distinctive W-shape is circumpolar from mid-northern latitudes and serves as a guide to finding the other family members. This region is exceptionally rich: the Andromeda Galaxy (M31) — the most distant object visible to the naked eye — lies in Andromeda, the Double Cluster (NGC 869/884) straddles Perseus, and the annual Perseid meteor shower (peaking in August) appears to radiate from Perseus.

HIP 1878HIP 1879HIP 1887HIP 1891HIP 1903HIP 1905HIP 2054HIP 2055HIP 2060HIP 2064HIP 2082HIP 2088HIP 2089HIP 2102HIP 2104HIP 2105HIP 2108HIP 2116HIP 2128HIP 2133HIP 2144HIP 2145HIP 2113HIP 2170HIP 2174HIP 2180HIP 2193HIP 2197HIP 2198HIP 2200HIP 2206HIP 2216HIP 2231HIP 2243HIP 2249HIP 2252HIP 2225HIP 2393HIP 2395HIP 2396HIP 2397HIP 2534HIP 2539HIP 2541HIP 2545HIP 2546HIP 2549HIP 2553

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Andromeda constellation?
Andromeda (And) is one of the 88 IAU-recognized constellations in the Northern hemisphere. Andromeda, the Chained Maiden, is a northern constellation best known for containing the Andromeda Galaxy (M31), the most distant object visible to the naked eye at about 2.5 million light-years. M31
How many stars are cataloged in Andromeda?
StarFYI currently catalogs 2,143 stars in the constellation Andromeda.
What is the brightest star in Andromeda?
The brightest star in Andromeda is Alpheratz.
How large is the Andromeda constellation?
Andromeda covers 722.28 square degrees of the sky.
What family does Andromeda belong to?
Andromeda belongs to the Perseus Family of constellations.