Columba constellation
Columba is one of the 88 constellations, and it represents the dove. It is highest in the sky at midnight around December 21, and its whole figure rises above the horizon from 47°N to 90°S.
Columba at a glance
- Represents
- the dove
- Highest at midnight
- December 21
- Highest at 9 pm
- February 3
- 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 December 21 and at 9 pm around February 3. Each month it is highest about two hours earlier than the month before.
The times are local solar time. Clocks on daylight saving time read about one hour later.
| Date | Highest at |
|---|---|
| January 15 | 10:20 p.m. |
| February 15 | 8:10 p.m. |
| March 15 | 6:20 p.m. |
| April 15 | 4:20 p.m. |
| May 15 | 2:20 p.m. |
| June 15 | 12:20 p.m. |
| July 15 | 10:20 a.m. |
| August 15 | 8:20 a.m. |
| September 15 | 6:20 a.m. |
| October 15 | 4:20 a.m. |
| November 15 | 2:20 a.m. |
| December 15 | 12:20 a.m. |
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 December 21, 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 December 21, 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
Columba is highest in the sky at midnight around December 21 and at 9 pm around February 3. The weeks around those dates are the best time to look.
The whole figure of Columba rises above the horizon from 47°N to 90°S, and at least part of it rises from 57°N to 90°S.
Columba represents the dove. European astronomers added Columba in the 16th or 17th century.