Constellation · best in January evenings

Columba

The Dove · Genitive Columbae · Col

Low after darkLow · south · 2° at 05:17

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Where is Columba?

Times for LondonChange city

Low in the south, at most 2° up around 05:17.

Rises: 04:10
Highest: 05:57
Sets: 07:45
Best after dark: 05:17 · 2°

How to find Columba

Nearby constellations include Caelum, Canis Major, Puppis and Eridanus.

Its center is at right ascension 5h 56m, declination −36°. 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 Columba

Columba is highest in the evening sky, around 10 pm, in January. 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 43° N to 90° S.

From London tonight, Columba stays low while the sky is dark: at best 2° above the south horizon around 05:17. You’ll need a clear, flat view in that direction.

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

Seeing Columba

Eyes

Its stars are fairly faint (the brightest, its alpha star, is mag 2.6). 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

Columba (genitive Columbae, abbreviated Col) is one of the 88 constellations recognized by the International Astronomical Union, which together cover the whole sky.

Questions

When is Columba visible?

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

Can I see Columba from where I live?

All of Columba rises above the horizon from latitudes of about 43° N to 90° S. Outside that range, part or all of it stays below the horizon.

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