Constellation · Col
Columba
The Dove
A small constellation just south of Canis Major and Lepus, introduced by Petrus Plancius in 1592.
Magnitude 2.65
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
Named stars in Columba
Brightest first. A lower magnitude means a brighter star.
- Phact (Alpha Columbae)mag 2.65
- Wazn (Beta Columbae)mag 3.12
- Elkurud (Theta Columbae)mag 5.00
Can you see Columba 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 | Columba |
|---|---|
| 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 Columba
When is Columba best seen?
Columba 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 Columba?
The brightest star in Columba is Phact (Alpha Columbae), magnitude 2.65.
Where on Earth can you see Columba?
The whole of Columba can be seen from latitudes between about 90°S and 47°N. From 40°N: The whole constellation rises and sets. From 35°S: The whole constellation rises and sets.
What does Columba mean?
Columba is Latin for "the Dove". Added by European astronomers in the 1500s and early 1600s.