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 288HIP 297HIP 311HIP 344HIP 544HIP 539HIP 880HIP 886HIP 882HIP 923HIP 1024HIP 1025HIP 1026HIP 1030HIP 1035HIP 1037HIP 1048HIP 1049HIP 1336HIP 1344HIP 1346HIP 1530HIP 1553HIP 1568HIP 1575HIP 1578HIP 1579HIP 1593HIP 1634HIP 1640HIP 1641HIP 1642HIP 1650HIP 1656HIP 1671HIP 1871HIP 1878HIP 1879HIP 1887HIP 1891HIP 1903HIP 1905HIP 2170HIP 2174HIP 2180HIP 2193HIP 2243HIP 2249

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.