Phoenix constellation: how to find it, when to see it and what is in it
In short
Phoenix (Phe) is a southern constellation covering 470 square degrees, number 37 of 88 by size. Its brightest star is Ankaa, a orange giant, magnitude 2.4. It is best seen in the evening in November. It never rises over London — it is visible south of 33° north. Its neighbours in the sky: Eridanus, Fornax, Grus, Sculptor, Tucana.
Area: 470 square degrees, 37 of 88 · Neighbours: Eridanus, Fornax, Grus, Sculptor, Tucana · Updated 10 October 2026
How to find Phoenix
- 1
Where it is visible
The constellation rises above the horizon south of 33° north and is well seen from the southern hemisphere.
- 2
Use the neighbours
Find it from the neighbouring constellations: Eridanus, Fornax, Grus, Sculptor.
- 3
Brightest stars
The brightest stars of the figure: Ankaa (2.4ᵐ), β Phe (3.3ᵐ), γ Phe (3.4ᵐ).
When it is visible over London
| Month | Where and when | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| January — december | — | never rises |
Stars of the constellation
| Star | What it is | Magnitude |
|---|---|---|
| Ankaa · α Phe | orange giant | 2.4ᵐ |
| β Phe | yellow giant | 3.3ᵐ |
| γ Phe | red giant | 3.4ᵐ |
| ε Phe | orange giant | 3.9ᵐ |
| Wurren · ζ Phe | blue-white main-sequence star | 3.9ᵐ |
| κ Phe | white main-sequence star | 3.9ᵐ |
| δ Phe | orange giant | 4.0ᵐ |
| ψ Phe | red giant | 4.4ᵐ |
Phoenix FAQ
When is the best time to see Phoenix?
Where is Phoenix in the sky?
What is the brightest star in Phoenix?
Neighbouring and other constellations
Related
Constellation lines: Stellarium, CC BY-SA · star names: IAU WGSN, CC BY 4.0