Octans
Where is Octans?
Below the horizon from London all the time.
- Rises
- Never
- Highest
- —
- Sets
- —
- Best after dark
- —
How to find Octans
Nearby constellations include Apus, Chamaeleon, Hydrus and Pavo.
Its center is at right ascension 21h 28m, declination −84°. 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 Octans
Octans is highest in the evening sky, around 10 pm, in September. 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 0° N to 90° S.
Octans 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 Octans
Eyes
Its stars are fairly faint (the brightest, its alpha star, is mag 3.7). 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.
About
Octans (genitive Octantis, abbreviated Oct) is one of the 88 constellations recognized by the International Astronomical Union, which together cover the whole sky.
Questions
When is Octans visible?
Can I see Octans from where I live?
Sources: IAU; Wikidata (CC0); SkyMate. Positions computed for your place and time with astronomy-engine. Data & Licences