images

Constellations of Caelum and Columba

by

A.Fujii/David Malin Images/Novapix

Reference

a-cst09-00002

Date

2008-11-01

Caelum (originally Caelum Sculptoris, the sculptor's chisel) is a small, rather obscure constallation hewn from rather thin pickings between Eridanus and Columba by Abbé de Lacaille in the 1750s. It is only 125 degrees square, making it 81st in area out of 88 constellations. Rather more interesting to the eye is Columba (originally Columba Noachi, Noah's dove) easily found between Sirius and Canopus. It is twice the area of Caelum and contans a few brighter stars. Best seen in the early evening in January.