Constellation · Cae
Caelum
The Chisel
A small, faint southern constellation named for an engraver's chisel; its brightest star is only about magnitude 4.4.
Magnitude 4.44
Highest in the sky at 9 pm local time (winter in the northern hemisphere)
Latitudes where every part of it rises above the horizon at some time of year
The whole sky covers about 41,253 square degrees
Stars brighter than about magnitude 6, the naked-eye limit under dark skies
Can you see Caelum from where you live?
This depends only on your latitude. Pick the row nearest to you; for your exact sky tonight, use the sky map.
| Latitude | Caelum |
|---|---|
| 60°N | Only part of it ever clears the horizon |
| 40°N | The whole constellation rises and sets |
| 20°N | The whole constellation rises and sets |
| the equator | The whole constellation rises and sets |
| 20°S | The whole constellation rises and sets |
| 40°S | The whole constellation rises and sets |
| 60°S | The whole constellation rises and sets |
Questions about Caelum
When is Caelum best seen?
Caelum stands highest in the sky at 9 pm local time in January. That makes winter evenings the best time for observers in the northern hemisphere; in the southern hemisphere the season is reversed.
What is the brightest star in Caelum?
The brightest star in Caelum is Alpha Caeli, magnitude 4.44.
Where on Earth can you see Caelum?
The whole of Caelum can be seen from latitudes between about 90°S and 41°N. From 40°N: The whole constellation rises and sets. From 35°S: The whole constellation rises and sets.
What does Caelum mean?
Caelum is Latin for "the Chisel". Introduced by Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille in the 1750s.