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Constellation · best in December evenings

Caelum

Genitive Caeli · Cae
Not above the horizon after darkNever rises from London
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Where is Caelum?

Times for LondonChange city

Below the horizon from London all the time.

Rises
Never
Highest
—
Sets
—
Best after dark
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How to find Caelum

Nearby constellations include Columba and Eridanus.

Its center is at right ascension 4h 47m, declination −39°. Use the chart above: north is up and east is to the left, as when you face south from the Northern Hemisphere.

Best time to see Caelum

Caelum is highest in the evening sky, around 10 pm, in December. A month or two either side it is still well placed, earlier or later in the night. All of it rises above the horizon from latitudes of about 42° N to 90° S.

Caelum never rises from London: it is too far south in the sky for this latitude.

This is position and timing only: clouds, haze and light pollution aren’t included.

Seeing Caelum

Eyes

Its stars are fairly faint (the brightest, its alpha star, is mag 4.5). You’ll need a sky away from bright lights to trace the pattern.

Binoculars

Binoculars show many more stars than your eye, and bring out star clusters and brighter nebulae inside it.

Telescope

The constellation is far too large for a telescope’s view. Use one for the clusters, nebulae and galaxies inside it.

What you’re likely to see, not what a space telescope photographs. General guidance from catalog brightness and size, not a forecast for tonight.

About

Caelum (genitive Caeli, abbreviated Cae) is one of the 88 constellations recognized by the International Astronomical Union, which together cover the whole sky.

Questions

When is Caelum visible?
Caelum is highest in the evening sky, around 10 pm, in December. In the months either side it is still well placed, earlier or later in the night.
Can I see Caelum from where I live?
All of Caelum rises above the horizon from latitudes of about 42° N to 90° S. Outside that range, part or all of it stays below the horizon.