Constellation · Fornax · For
Fornax constellation: how to find it, when to see it and what is in it
southernbest in december
In short
Fornax (For) is a southern constellation covering 397 square degrees, number 41 of 88 by size. It has no bright stars — the brightest is magnitude 3.9, so you need a dark sky. It is best seen in the evening in December. Over London it stays low — you need an open southern horizon. Its neighbours in the sky: Cetus, Eridanus, Phoenix, Sculptor.
Area: 397 square degrees, 41 of 88 · Neighbours: Cetus, Eridanus, Phoenix, Sculptor · Updated 10 October 2026
How to find Fornax
- 1
When to look
The best time is in December in the evening: —.
- 2
Use the neighbours
Find it from the neighbouring constellations: Cetus, Eridanus, Phoenix, Sculptor.
- 3
Brightest stars
The brightest stars of the figure: Dalim (3.9ᵐ), β For (4.5ᵐ).
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Dalim · α For | yellow-white main-sequence star | 3.9ᵐ |
| β For | orange giant | 4.5ᵐ |
Fornax FAQ
When is the best time to see Fornax?
Fornax is best seen in the evening in December. Over London it stays low — you need an open southern horizon.
Where is Fornax in the sky?
Fornax is a southern constellation. Its neighbours: Cetus, Eridanus, Phoenix, Sculptor.
What is the brightest star in Fornax?
Dalim — a yellow-white main-sequence star, magnitude 3.9.
Neighbouring and other constellations
Related
Constellation lines: Stellarium, CC BY-SA · star names: IAU WGSN, CC BY 4.0