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 4185HIP 4193HIP 2865HIP 2866HIP 2867HIP 11773HIP 117841HIP 117916HIP 117971HIP 1495HIP 118177HIP 118212HIP 118238HIP 118282HIP 12282HIP 12362HIP 1239HIP 1619HIP 461HIP 1657HIP 1669HIP 167HIP 1681HIP 1688HIP 1434HIP 1785HIP 1442HIP 1445HIP 1798HIP 1448HIP 1456HIP 4613HIP 1459HIP 1809HIP 1474HIP 1848HIP 1864HIP 1882HIP 4640HIP 1901HIP 2868HIP 2870HIP 1721HIP 2053HIP 2059HIP 2077HIP 1760HIP 2871

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.