Pisces, Latin for “the fishes,” is one of the twelve constellations that make up the zodiac. It is the 14th largest constellation overall, yet it is often overlooked because its component stars are notably faint. Located in the northern celestial hemisphere, Pisces occupies a significant patch of sky that lacks stars brighter than the third magnitude. Successfully locating this large, diffuse constellation requires a methodical approach and specific viewing conditions.
Optimal Viewing Conditions
The faintness of the stars in Pisces makes it a challenging target, requiring a location with minimal light pollution. Its stars are generally fourth and fifth magnitude, which are easily washed out by city lights or even a bright moon. To maximize visibility, stargazers should plan their viewing sessions around the new moon phase.
The most favorable time of year to observe Pisces in the Northern Hemisphere is during the autumn and early winter months. The constellation is positioned highest in the sky during the late evenings of October and November. By approximately 9:00 p.m. local time in November, Pisces reaches its peak altitude, offering the best opportunity for observation. The constellation is not visible during the spring months, as the sun appears to pass through its borders.
Navigating with Guide Constellations
Because Pisces lacks distinctive bright stars, using nearby, more prominent constellations as guides is necessary. The most reliable landmark for finding Pisces is the Great Square of Pegasus, an easily recognizable asterism of four bright stars. Once the Great Square is located high in the autumn sky, focus attention on the area directly to the south.
The southern border of Pegasus leads directly to the first recognizable part of Pisces, the Western Fish. Following an imaginary line from the lower-right star of the Great Square, known as Algenib, will bring the observer into the region of Pisces. The constellation Andromeda, which extends eastward from the upper-left star of Pegasus, also borders Pisces and serves as a secondary reference point. These brighter neighbors effectively frame the dimmer star pattern, guiding the eye to the correct section of the sky.
Identifying the Pisces Shape
Having navigated to the correct celestial region, the next step is to trace the distinctive shape of the constellation, traditionally depicted as two fish connected by a cord. The most noticeable part is the “Circlet,” a small, faint ring of stars representing the head of the Western Fish. The Circlet is found immediately south of the Great Square of Pegasus, with its brightest star, Gamma Piscium, shining at magnitude 3.7.
The two fish are linked by a long, winding cord, creating a wide V-shape that spans a large area of the sky. Following the star cord eastward and then northward leads to the second fish, often called the Northern Fish. The point where the two cords meet, forming the apex of the V, is marked by the star Alpha Piscium, also known as Alrescha. This star, shining at a combined magnitude of 3.94, is a binary system whose name derives from the Arabic word for “the cord” or “the knot.”