Carina constellation: how to find it, when to see it and what is in it
In short
Carina (Car) is a southern constellation covering 494 square degrees, number 34 of 88 by size. Its brightest star is Canopus, a yellow-white bright giant, magnitude −0.7. It is best seen in the evening in March. It never rises over London — it is visible south of 20° north. Its neighbours in the sky: Centaurus, Chamaeleon, Musca, Pictor, Puppis, Vela, Volans.
Area: 494 square degrees, 34 of 88 · Neighbours: Centaurus, Chamaeleon, Musca, Pictor, Puppis, Vela, Volans · Updated 10 October 2026
How to find Carina
- 1
Where it is visible
The constellation rises above the horizon south of 20° north and is well seen from the southern hemisphere.
- 2
Use the neighbours
Find it from the neighbouring constellations: Centaurus, Chamaeleon, Musca, Pictor.
- 3
Brightest stars
The brightest stars of the figure: Canopus (−0.7ᵐ), Miaplacidus (1.7ᵐ), Avior (1.9ᵐ).
When it is visible over London
| Month | Where and when | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| January — december | — | never rises |
Stars of the constellation
| Star | What it is | Magnitude |
|---|---|---|
| Canopus · α Car | yellow-white bright giant | −0.7ᵐ |
| Miaplacidus · β Car | white subgiant | 1.7ᵐ |
| Avior · ε Car | orange giant | 1.9ᵐ |
| Aspidiske · ι Car | white supergiant | 2.3ᵐ |
| Naos · ζ Pup | blue star | 2.3ᵐ |
| θ Car | blue-white main-sequence star | 2.8ᵐ |
| Pipit · ν Pup | blue-white giant | 3.2ᵐ |
| ω Car | blue-white giant | 3.3ᵐ |
Carina FAQ
When is the best time to see Carina?
Where is Carina in the sky?
What is the brightest star in Carina?
Neighbouring and other constellations
Related
Constellation lines: Stellarium, CC BY-SA · star names: IAU WGSN, CC BY 4.0