Octans constellation: how to find it, when to see it and what is in it
In short
Octans (Oct) is a southern constellation covering 291 square degrees, number 50 of 88 by size. It has no bright stars — the brightest is magnitude 3.8, so you need a dark sky. It is best seen in the evening in September. It never rises over London — it is visible south of 0° north. Its neighbours in the sky: Apus, Chamaeleon, Hydrus, Indus, Mensa, Pavo, Tucana.
Area: 291 square degrees, 50 of 88 · Neighbours: Apus, Chamaeleon, Hydrus, Indus, Mensa, Pavo, Tucana · Updated 10 October 2026
How to find Octans
- 1
Where it is visible
The constellation rises above the horizon south of 0° north and is well seen from the southern hemisphere.
- 2
Use the neighbours
Find it from the neighbouring constellations: Apus, Chamaeleon, Hydrus, Indus.
- 3
Brightest stars
The brightest stars of the figure: ν Oct (3.8ᵐ), β Oct (4.2ᵐ), δ Oct (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 |
|---|---|---|
| ν Oct | orange giant | 3.8ᵐ |
| β Oct | white subgiant | 4.2ᵐ |
| δ Oct | orange giant | 4.3ᵐ |
Octans FAQ
When is the best time to see Octans?
Where is Octans in the sky?
What is the brightest star in Octans?
Neighbouring and other constellations
Related
Constellation lines: Stellarium, CC BY-SA · star names: IAU WGSN, CC BY 4.0