Constellation · For
Fornax
The Furnace
A faint southern constellation that holds the Fornax Cluster, a rich cluster of galaxies.
Magnitude 3.80
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 Fornax
Brightest first. A lower magnitude means a brighter star.
- Dalim (Alpha Fornacis)mag 3.80
Can you see Fornax 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 | Fornax |
|---|---|
| 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 Fornax
When is Fornax best seen?
Fornax stands highest in the sky at 9 pm local time in December. 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 Fornax?
The brightest star in Fornax is Dalim (Alpha Fornacis), magnitude 3.80.
Where on Earth can you see Fornax?
The whole of Fornax can be seen from latitudes between about 90°S and 51°N. From 40°N: The whole constellation rises and sets. From 35°S: The whole constellation rises and sets.
What does Fornax mean?
Fornax is Latin for "the Furnace". Introduced by Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille in the 1750s.