Constellation · Vol
Volans
The Flying Fish
A small southern constellation near the Large Magellanic Cloud.
Magnitude 3.77, practically tied with Gamma² Volantis
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
Can you see Volans 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 | Volans |
|---|---|
| 60°N | Never rises |
| 40°N | Never rises |
| 20°N | Only part of it ever clears the horizon |
| the equator | The whole constellation rises and sets |
| 20°S | The whole constellation rises and sets |
| 40°S | Visible all night, all year (it never sets) |
| 60°S | Visible all night, all year (it never sets) |
Questions about Volans
When is Volans best seen?
Volans stands highest in the sky at 9 pm local time in March. 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 Volans?
The brightest star in Volans is Beta Volantis, magnitude 3.77 (practically tied with Gamma² Volantis).
Where on Earth can you see Volans?
The whole of Volans can be seen from latitudes between about 90°S and 15°N. From 40°N: Never rises. From 35°S: Visible all night, all year (it never sets).
What does Volans mean?
Volans is Latin for "the Flying Fish". Charted by Dutch navigators in the late 1500s.