Constellation · Columba · Col
Columba constellation: how to find it, when to see it and what is in it
southernbest in february1 bright star
In short
Columba (Col) is a southern constellation covering 270 square degrees, number 54 of 88 by size. Its brightest star is Phact, a blue-white subgiant, magnitude 2.6. It is best seen in the evening in February. Over London it stays low — you need an open southern horizon. Its neighbours in the sky: Canis Major, Caelum, Lepus, Pictor, Puppis.
Area: 270 square degrees, 54 of 88 · Neighbours: Canis Major, Caelum, Lepus, Pictor, Puppis · Updated 10 October 2026
How to find Columba
- 1
When to look
The best time is in February in the evening: —.
- 2
Use the neighbours
Find it from the neighbouring constellations: Canis Major, Caelum, Lepus, Pictor.
- 3
Brightest stars
The brightest stars of the figure: Phact (2.6ᵐ), Wazn (3.1ᵐ), δ Col (3.8ᵐ).
When it is visible over London
| Month | Where and when | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| January — december | — | not visible, behind the Sun |
Stars of the constellation
| Star | What it is | Magnitude |
|---|---|---|
| Phact · α Col | blue-white subgiant | 2.6ᵐ |
| Wazn · β Col | orange giant | 3.1ᵐ |
| δ Col | yellow bright giant | 3.8ᵐ |
| ε Col | orange giant | 3.9ᵐ |
| η Col | orange giant | 4.0ᵐ |
| γ Col | blue-white subgiant | 4.4ᵐ |
| κ Col | orange giant | 4.4ᵐ |
Columba FAQ
When is the best time to see Columba?
Columba is best seen in the evening in February. Over London it stays low — you need an open southern horizon.
Where is Columba in the sky?
Columba is a southern constellation. Its neighbours: Canis Major, Caelum, Lepus, Pictor, Puppis.
What is the brightest star in Columba?
Phact — a blue-white subgiant, magnitude 2.6.
Neighbouring and other constellations
Related
Constellation lines: Stellarium, CC BY-SA · star names: IAU WGSN, CC BY 4.0