Auriga - The Charioteer

Learn about the constellation Auriga - The Charioteer, location, facts, mythology, meteor showers and deep space objects.

Auriga is a northern constellation. It was one of the 48 constellations listed by Ptolemy.

Location: Northern Winter 6h RA 40° Dec

This constellation has many open clusters and other deep sky objects because the Milky Way runs through it. The three brightest open clusters are M36, M37 and M38, all of which are visible in binoculars or a small telescope. A larger telescope resolves individual stars.

Auriga Mythology

Auriga is said to represent Myrtilus, the charioteer of King Oenomaus. The king was jealous of anyone who came to seek his daughter's hand in marriage. Being noted for his love of horses, the king announced that all suitors would have to take part in a chariot race against him and, should they lose, pay with their lives.

Auriga Deep Space Objects

There are many open clusters and other objects because the Milky Way runs through it. The three brightest open clusters are M36, M37 and M38, all of which are visible in binoculars or a small telescope in suburban skies.

IC 405 (also known as the Flaming Star Nebula, SH 2-229, or Caldwell 31) is an emission/reflection nebula in the constellation, surrounding the bluish star AE Aurigæ.

In this table, the observation month represents the month in which the object reaches its highest point in the sky. It can also be viewed a few months before and after depending on your location. Direction is the compass direction in which the object is located, with Z meaning Zenith or overhead.

#		Common Name	Constellation	Month	Coords	Direction	Mag	Size (arcmin)	Type	Star Chart
C31 IC 405		Flaming Star Nebula	Auriga	Dec	05h 16.2m RA +34° 16m Dec	Z	13.00	37x10	Bright Nebula	🔍︎
M36 NGC 1960		Pinwheel Cluster	Auriga	Dec	05h 36.1m RA 34° 08m Dec	SW	6.30	12	Open Cluster	🔍︎
M37 NGC 2099		Salt and Pepper Cluster	Auriga	Dec	05h 52.4m RA 32° 33m Dec	SW	6.20	24	Open Cluster	🔍︎
M38 NGC 1912		Starfish Cluster	Auriga	Dec	05h 28.7m RA 35° 50m Dec	SW	7.40	20	Open Cluster	🔍︎