There are 9 constellations that start with the letter P, ranging alphabetically from “Pavo” to “Pyxis.” Some are bright and easy to find, while others are faint and require dark skies to spot. People use this list to plan stargazing nights, learn the night sky season by season, and connect the stars to the myths and history behind them.

Constellations are patterns of stars that people have grouped together and named, often after animals, heroes, or objects. Many of these P constellations come from very different times and places, with some dating back to ancient Greek myths and others charted by European explorers sailing the southern seas in the 1500s.

Below you’ll find the table with Constellation, Hemisphere, Best Viewing Month, Notable Stars, and Description.

Constellation: The official name of each star pattern, so you know exactly what to search for in the sky or in a stargazing app.

Hemisphere: Tells you whether the constellation appears in northern or southern skies, helping you know if you can see it from where you live.

Best Viewing Month: The time of year when the constellation sits highest and clearest, making it easier for you to plan when to look up.

Notable Stars: The brightest or most famous stars in the group, which act as handy markers to help you find and confirm the pattern.

Description: A short summary of the constellation’s meaning, history, and standout features, giving you context that makes each one more interesting to view.

Constellations

ConstellationHemisphereBest Viewing MonthNotable Stars
PavoSouthernAugustPeacock (Alpha Pavonis)
PegasusNorthernOctoberEnif, Markab, Scheat
PerseusNorthernDecemberMirfak, Algol
PhoenixSouthernNovemberAnkaa
PictorSouthernJanuaryAlpha Pictoris
PiscesNorthernNovemberAlrescha
Piscis AustrinusSouthernOctoberFomalhaut
PuppisSouthernFebruaryNaos, Tureis
PyxisSouthernMarchAlpha Pyxidis

Descriptions

Pavo
Known as the Peacock, this southern constellation was introduced in the late 16th century by Dutch navigators and is best seen from the Southern Hemisphere during winter evenings.
Pegasus
Representing the winged horse of Greek mythology, Pegasus is famous for the Great Square, a large asterism that helps stargazers locate nearby constellations in autumn skies.
Perseus
Named for the Greek hero who slew Medusa, Perseus contains the famous variable star Algol and is the radiant point for the spectacular Perseid meteor shower each August.
Phoenix
This southern constellation depicts the mythical firebird that rises from its own ashes and was one of the constellations created by Dutch explorers charting the southern sky.
Pictor
Representing a painter’s easel, Pictor is a faint southern constellation introduced in the 18th century by French astronomer Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille.
Pisces
One of the twelve zodiac constellations, Pisces represents two fish tied together by their tails and is best viewed in autumn, though its stars are relatively dim.
Piscis Austrinus
Known as the Southern Fish, this constellation is anchored by Fomalhaut, one of the brightest stars in the sky, and lies just south of Aquarius.
Puppis
Representing the stern of the mythical ship Argo Navis, Puppis is a rich constellation set against the Milky Way and was split from the larger ancient figure.
Pyxis
Depicting a mariner’s compass, Pyxis is a small, faint southern constellation that was also carved out of the old Argo Navis ship grouping.
If you think there is a missing term, let us know using the contact form.