Columba, the Dove (Col)

The constellation of Columba, the Dove, is best viewed in the Winter season during the month of February for mid-northern latitudes. It's brightest star is Phact at magnitude 2.65. The boundary of the Columba constellation contains 3 stars that host known exoplanets.

The naked eye can generally see up to magnitude 6 (magnitude 8 with perfect eyes under ideal super dark-sky conditions).

1. Meaning:
2. Dove

1. Genitive:
2. Columbae

1. Abbreviation:
2. Col

1. Constellation Family:
2. Heavenly Waters

1. Best Viewing Month*:
2. February

1. Right Ascension (avg):
2. 5h 42m

1. Declination (avg):
2. -37° 55'

1. Brightest Star:
2. Phact (2.65m)

1. Exoplanet Host Stars:
2. 3

1. Caldwell objects:
2. C73,

1. X-ray Stars:
2. 1 binary stars

1. Other:
2. Runaway star

* For southern latitudes, flip the season listed. For example, if a constellation is listed as best viewed in the summer in the month of July, in the southern hemisphere the constellation would be best viewed in the winter in January and would be upside-down.

** Circumpolar constellations are visible year-round in the hemisphere listed.

Find your inner astronomer. Your complete guide to amateur astronomy.