Dictionary term
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.
Delphinus is the Dolphin, a tiny diamond-shaped pattern near Altair.
A symbolic locator, not a substitute for an observational chart at a specific place and time.Quick reference
- Use when
- Look east of Altair for the four-star diamond sometimes called Job's Coffin, then add Epsilon Delphini as the tail.
- Do not use it for
- Job's Coffin is an asterism within Delphinus, not the official name of the constellation.
- Reference category
- Constellations & Star Lore
- Related terms
- 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.
Delphinus in spiritual tradition
Delphinus condenses a whole imagined creature into one precise and friendly little diamond.
Delphinus: fact and faith, kept distinct
This is a factual sky reference. It can support wonder and orientation without turning a measured position or inherited pattern into a claim of fate or private revelation.
Delphinus in numerology
Delphinus is not a numerology claim. Any numbers attached to it should retain their ordinary scientific, calendrical, navigational, or historical meaning unless a separate symbolic interpretation is clearly labeled.
Why Delphinus matters
Its concentrated shape is easy to learn and offers a satisfying target in a rich summer Milky Way neighborhood.
Delphinus at work: an example
Gamma Delphini resolves into a contrasting telescopic double at moderate magnification.
Where interpretation stops
Delphinus is presented as sourced astronomy, calendrical, Earth-science, cultural, or instrument-history reference. Definitions should distinguish measured phenomena from civil convention and historical interpretation, preserve location and time dependencies, and avoid turning factual sky data into a deterministic personal claim.
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
- Also appears in
- Constellations & Star Lore
- Aliases
- None listed
- Last updated
- 2026-07-16
Catch the Dolphin beside Aquila
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More in Constellations & Star Lore
Common questions
What is Delphinus?
Delphinus is a small northern constellation representing a dolphin, recognized by a compact diamond and trailing star.
How is Delphinus used in an almanac?
Look east of Altair for the four-star diamond sometimes called Job's Coffin, then add Epsilon Delphini as the tail.
What should I avoid when interpreting Delphinus?
Job's Coffin is an asterism within Delphinus, not the official name of the constellation.
