Dorado constellation: how to find it, when to see it and what is in it
In short
Dorado (Dor) is a southern constellation covering 179 square degrees, number 72 of 88 by size. Its brightest star is α Dor, a white giant, magnitude 3.3. It is best seen in the evening in January. It never rises over London — it is visible south of 20° north. Its neighbours in the sky: Caelum, Horologium, Hydrus, Mensa, Pictor, Reticulum, Volans.
Area: 179 square degrees, 72 of 88 · Neighbours: Caelum, Horologium, Hydrus, Mensa, Pictor, Reticulum, Volans · Updated 10 October 2026
How to find Dorado
- 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: Caelum, Horologium, Hydrus, Mensa.
- 3
Brightest stars
The brightest stars of the figure: α Dor (3.3ᵐ), β Dor (3.8ᵐ), γ Dor (4.3ᵐ).
When it is visible over London
| Month | Where and when | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| January — december | — | never rises |
Stars of the constellation
| Star | What it is | Magnitude |
|---|---|---|
| α Dor | white giant | 3.3ᵐ |
| β Dor | yellow-white supergiant | 3.8ᵐ |
| γ Dor | yellow-white giant | 4.3ᵐ |
| δ Dor | white main-sequence star | 4.3ᵐ |
| HR 2102 | orange giant | 4.7ᵐ |
Dorado FAQ
When is the best time to see Dorado?
Where is Dorado in the sky?
What is the brightest star in Dorado?
Neighbouring and other constellations
Related
Constellation lines: Stellarium, CC BY-SA · star names: IAU WGSN, CC BY 4.0