Tools

Object Rise and Set Times

What This Calculator Tells You

Enter coordinates for any fixed celestial object (star, galaxy, nebula, etc.) to find when it rises, reaches its highest point (transit), and sets at your location today. This helps you plan when to observe and how long you'll have to view the object.

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Common Objects

ObjectRA (h)Dec (°)
Orion Nebula (M42)05h 35m-05° 23'
Andromeda Galaxy (M31)00h 43m+41° 16'
Whirlpool Galaxy (M51)13h 30m+47° 12'
Ring Nebula (M57)18h 54m+33° 02'

Click a row to load that object's coordinates.

Understanding the Times

  • Rise: When the object first appears above the eastern horizon
  • Transit: When the object crosses the meridian at its highest point
  • Set: When the object disappears below the western horizon
  • Times shift ~4 minutes earlier each day: Due to Earth's orbital motion

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