Star lore
Delphinus
Direct answer
Delphinus is a small northern constellation representing a dolphin, recognized by a compact diamond and trailing star.
Delphinus is the Dolphin, a tiny diamond-shaped pattern near Altair.
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At a glance
- Found in
- Constellations & Star Lore
- Related
- Crater, Crux Constellation, Dorado, Draco
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The story behind Delphinus
Delphinus was one of Ptolemy's ancient constellations and has long retained its dolphin figure.
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The Road of the Sun
Where the twelve signs came from, and why they carry the names they do.
Why Delphinus matters
Delphinus’s concentrated shape is easy to learn and offers a satisfying target in a rich summer Milky Way neighborhood.
How to read Delphinus
Look east of Altair for the four-star diamond sometimes called Job's Coffin, then add Epsilon Delphini as the tail.
Delphinus in practice: an example
Gamma Delphini resolves into a contrasting telescopic double at moderate magnification.
Where readings of Delphinus go wrong
Job's Coffin is an asterism within Delphinus, not the official name of the constellation.
Sources and editorial method
Research references used for this entry include:
- International Astronomical Union: The Constellations - Official names, abbreviations, and boundaries for the 88 modern constellations.
- NASA Space Place: What Are Constellations? - NASA introduction to constellation regions, patterns, visibility, and seasonal sky changes.
- Source
- The Great Almanac Dictionary
- Category
- Constellations & Star Lore
- Last updated
- 2026-09-26
Catch the Dolphin beside Aquila
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Common questions
What is Delphinus?
Delphinus is a small northern constellation representing a dolphin, recognized by a compact diamond and trailing star.
What do people get wrong about Delphinus?
Job's Coffin is an asterism within Delphinus, not the official name of the constellation.
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