Columba constellation

Columba is one of the 88 constellations, and it represents the dove. It is highest in the sky at midnight around 21 December, and its whole figure rises above the horizon from 47°N to 90°S.

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Columba at a glance

Represents
the dove
Highest at midnight
21 December
Highest at 9 pm
3 February
Seen whole from
47°N to 90°S
Stars in the figure
7 stars
Origin
16th or 17th century

When to see Columba

Columba is highest in the sky at midnight around 21 December and at 9 pm around 3 February. Each month it is highest about two hours earlier than the month before.

The times are local solar time. Clocks on summer time or daylight saving time read about one hour later.

When Columba is highest each month
DateHighest at
15 January10:20 PM
15 February8:10 PM
15 March6:20 PM
15 April4:20 PM
15 May2:20 PM
15 June12:20 PM
15 July10:20 AM
15 August8:20 AM
15 September6:20 AM
15 October4:20 AM
15 November2:20 AM
15 December12:20 AM

Where to look for Columba

From the northern hemisphere

From 40°N, Columba rises in the east and sets in the west. It is highest around midnight on 21 December, 14° above the southern horizon.

From the southern hemisphere

From 35°S, Columba rises in the east and sets in the west. It is highest around midnight on 21 December, almost overhead.

Brightest stars in Columba

None of the stars of Columba is brighter than magnitude 2.3, so it is best seen from a dark place away from city lights. Its brightest stick-figure stars are about magnitude 2.

Columba in myth and history

European astronomers added Columba in the 16th or 17th century.

Constellations next to Columba

Find Columba in your sky

Questions about Columba