Constellation · best in March evenings

Carina

The Keel · Genitive Carinae · Car

Not above the horizon after darkNever rises from London

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Where is Carina?

Times for LondonChange city

Below the horizon from London all the time.

Rises: Never
Highest: —
Sets: —
Best after dark: —

How to find Carina

Start with Canopus, Carina’s brightest star (mag −0.7). Nearby constellations include Volans, Vela, Chamaeleon and Musca.

Its center is at right ascension 9h 15m, declination −62°. Use the chart above: north is up and east is to the left, as when you face south from the Northern Hemisphere.

Brightest star: Canopus

Best time to see Carina

Carina is highest in the evening sky, around 10 pm, in March. 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 3° N to 90° S.

Carina 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 Carina

Eyes

Its brightest star, Canopus, is easy to see. Tracing the whole pattern is easier away from bright lights.

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

Carina (genitive Carinae, abbreviated Car) is one of the 88 constellations recognized by the International Astronomical Union, which together cover the whole sky. Its brightest star is Canopus, magnitude −0.7.

SkyMate’s web catalog includes 3 named stars in Carina.

Brightest stars and objects in Carina

Questions

What is the brightest star in Carina?

Canopus, at magnitude −0.7.

When is Carina visible?

Carina is highest in the evening sky, around 10 pm, in March. In the months either side it is still well placed, earlier or later in the night.

Can I see Carina from where I live?

All of Carina rises above the horizon from latitudes of about 3° N to 90° S. Outside that range, part or all of it stays below the horizon.

Star in itCanopus Star in itMiaplacidus Star in itAvior Another constellationAndromeda Another constellationAntlia GuideStargazing for beginners

Sources: IAU; Wikidata (CC0); SkyMate. Positions computed for your place and time with astronomy-engine. Data & Licences