Go Astr☾nomy

Vela Constellation
Constellation Vela the Sails

Vela, the Sails (Vel)  

(VEE-luh)


The constellation of Vela, the Sails, is best viewed in Spring during the month of March. It's brightest star is Gamma Velorum at magnitude 1.75. The boundary of the Vela constellation contains 7 stars that host known exoplanets.

Luhman is the 3rd closest star to Earth at 6.5 light years.

      1. Pronunciation:
      2. VEE-luh
      1. Meaning:
      2. Sails
      1. Genitive:
      2. Velorum
      1. Abbreviation:
      2. Vel
      1. Constellation Family:
      2. Heavenly Waters
      1. Hemisphere:
      2. Southern
      1. Quadrant:
      2. SQ2
      1. Best viewing month*:
      2. March
      1. Right Ascension (avg):
      2. 9h 20m
      1. Declination (avg):
      2. -48° 29'
      1. Brightest star:
      2. Gamma Velorum  (1.75m)
      1. Stars with planets:
      2. 7
      1. Quadruple star systems:
      2. 1
      1. Triple star systems:
      2. 1
      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 (and not at all in the opposite).