Constellation · best in February evenings

Volans

Genitive Volantis · Vol

Not above the horizon after darkNever rises from London

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Where is Volans?

Times for LondonChange city

Below the horizon from London all the time.

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

How to find Volans

Nearby constellations include Carina.

Its center is at right ascension 7h 56m, declination −70°. 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 Volans

Volans is highest in the evening sky, around 10 pm, in February. 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 13° N to 90° S.

Volans 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 Volans

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.

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

Volans (genitive Volantis, abbreviated Vol) is one of the 88 constellations recognized by the International Astronomical Union, which together cover the whole sky.

Questions

When is Volans visible?

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

Can I see Volans from where I live?

All of Volans rises above the horizon from latitudes of about 13° 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