Vela, the Sails (Vel)

The constellation of Vela, the Sails, is best viewed in the Spring season during the month of March for mid-northern latitudes. It's brightest star is Gamma Velorum at magnitude 1.75. The boundary of the Vela constellation contains 7 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. Sails

1. Genitive:
2. Velorum

1. Abbreviation:
2. Vel

1. Constellation Family:
2. Heavenly Waters

1. Best Viewing Month*:
2. March

1. Circumpolar** (N=northern, S=southern):
2. S

1. Right Ascension (avg):
2. 9h 20m

1. Declination (avg):
2. -48° 29'

1. Brightest Star:
2. Gamma Velorum (1.75m)

1. Exoplanet Host Stars:
2. 7

1. Quadruple Stars:
2. 1

1. Triple Stars:
2. 1

1. Caldwell objects:
2. C74, C79, C85,

1. X-ray Stars:
2. 3 stars

1. Pulsars:
2. 4

* 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.

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