Delphinus Constellation Myths and Facts

Delphinus: The Dolphin

Pronunciation: del-FINE-us/del-FIN-us
Delphinus, The Dolphin
Delphinus as depicted by Johannes Hevelius in his Firmamentum Sobiescianum sive Uranographia (1687). Source image provided by www.RareMaps.com — Barry Lawrence Ruderman Antique Maps Inc.
Delphinus Constellation Profile
Abbreviation: Del Genitive: Delphini
Origin: Ancient Location: Northern Hemisphere
Best View (North): Summer Best View (South):
Bordering Constellations: Vulpecula, Sagitta, Aquila, Aquarius, Equuleus, Pegasus

The Myth Behind the Constellation Delphinus

Delphinus, “The Dolphin” earned his place in the night sky by helping out the Greek god of the sea, Poseidon.  The deity was in love with Amphitrite, a Nereid, but she was not interested.  After many rebuffed attempts he decided to try a new approach.  He sent out many messengers with his proposal, and it was the dolphin that convinced Amphitrite to marry the god.  For that, Poseidon placed him amongst the stars.

Delphinus Constellation Points of Interest

Interesting stars and objects.

Bright Stars in Delphinus

There are no stars in Delphinus with a magnitude of 3.0 or brighter.