Constellation · Crv
Corvus
The Crow
A small, compact quadrilateral of moderately bright stars south of Virgo.
Magnitude 2.58
Highest in the sky at 9 pm local time (spring 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 Corvus
Brightest first. A lower magnitude means a brighter star.
- Gienah (Gamma Corvi)mag 2.58
- Kraz (Beta Corvi)mag 2.65
- Algorab (Delta Corvi)mag 2.94
- Minkar (Epsilon Corvi)mag 3.02
- Alchiba (Alpha Corvi)mag 4.02
Can you see Corvus 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 | Corvus |
|---|---|
| 60°N | The whole constellation rises and sets |
| 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 Corvus
When is Corvus best seen?
Corvus stands highest in the sky at 9 pm local time in May. That makes spring evenings the best time for observers in the northern hemisphere; in the southern hemisphere the season is reversed.
What is the brightest star in Corvus?
The brightest star in Corvus is Gienah (Gamma Corvi), magnitude 2.58.
Where on Earth can you see Corvus?
The whole of Corvus can be seen from latitudes between about 90°S and 65°N. From 40°N: The whole constellation rises and sets. From 35°S: The whole constellation rises and sets.
What does Corvus mean?
Corvus is Latin for "the Crow". One of Ptolemy's 48 ancient constellations (2nd century).