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.

HYG 119588HYG 119611HYG 119612HIP 8350HIP 8354HIP 8370HIP 3565HIP 5650HIP 5652HIP 3568HIP 3569HIP 3571HIP 8400HIP 5923HIP 8423HIP 8424HIP 3585HIP 5660HIP 8473HIP 3900HIP 3597HIP 3599HIP 8535HIP 8536HIP 3604HIP 8567HIP 858HIP 3613HIP 8644HIP 3617HYG 118142HIP 3620HIP 3621HIP 3623HIP 3928HIP 8763HIP 8747HIP 8753HIP 5941HIP 8948HIP 3680HIP 3991HIP 9032HIP 9040HIP 9060HIP 5944HIP 5677HIP 3723

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.