Circinus constellation: how to find it, when to see it and what is in it
In short
Circinus (Cir) is a southern constellation covering 93 square degrees, number 85 of 88 by size. Its brightest star is Xami, a white star, magnitude 3.2. It is best seen in the evening in June. It never rises over London — it is visible south of 19° north. Its neighbours in the sky: Apus, Centaurus, Lupus, Musca, Norma, Triangulum Australe.
Area: 93 square degrees, 85 of 88 · Neighbours: Apus, Centaurus, Lupus, Musca, Norma, Triangulum Australe · Updated 10 October 2026
How to find Circinus
- 1
Where it is visible
The constellation rises above the horizon south of 19° north and is well seen from the southern hemisphere.
- 2
Use the neighbours
Find it from the neighbouring constellations: Apus, Centaurus, Lupus, Musca.
- 3
Brightest stars
The brightest stars of the figure: Xami (3.2ᵐ), β Cir (4.1ᵐ), γ Cir (4.5ᵐ).
When it is visible over London
| Month | Where and when | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| January — december | — | never rises |
Stars of the constellation
| Star | What it is | Magnitude |
|---|---|---|
| Xami · α Cir | white star | 3.2ᵐ |
| β Cir | white main-sequence star | 4.1ᵐ |
| γ Cir | blue-white subgiant | 4.5ᵐ |
Circinus FAQ
When is the best time to see Circinus?
Where is Circinus in the sky?
What is the brightest star in Circinus?
Neighbouring and other constellations
Related
Constellation lines: Stellarium, CC BY-SA · star names: IAU WGSN, CC BY 4.0