Cepheus is a northern constellation representing the legendary king of Ethiopia, who was the husband of Cassiopeia and the father of Andromeda. It is one of the 88 modern constellations, and was also one of the 48 listed by Ptolemy.

Cepheus contains the star δ Cephei, the prototype Cepheid variable, as well as the star Alrai.

Cepheus

AbbreviationCep
GenitiveCephei
Meaning in EnglishKing Cepheus
Right ascension22 h
Declination70°
Visible to latitudeBetween 90° and -10°
On meridian9 p.m., October 15
Area
 - Total
Ranked 27th
588 sq. deg.
Number of stars with
apparent magnitude < 3
1
Brightest star
 - Apparent magnitude
Alderamin (α Cep)
2.44
Meteor showers None
Bordering constellations

Mythology

In Greek mythology, Cepheus is the King of Ethiopia, husband of Cassiopeia and the father of Andromeda. See Cepheus for details.