Pictor constellation: how to find it, when to see it and what is in it
In short
Pictor (Pic) is a southern constellation covering 247 square degrees, number 59 of 88 by size. Its brightest star is α Pic, a white subgiant, magnitude 3.3. It is best seen in the evening in February. It never rises over London — it is visible south of 23° north. Its neighbours in the sky: Caelum, Carina, Columba, Dorado, Puppis, Volans.
Area: 247 square degrees, 59 of 88 · Neighbours: Caelum, Carina, Columba, Dorado, Puppis, Volans · Updated 10 October 2026
How to find Pictor
- 1
Where it is visible
The constellation rises above the horizon south of 23° north and is well seen from the southern hemisphere.
- 2
Use the neighbours
Find it from the neighbouring constellations: Caelum, Carina, Columba, Dorado.
- 3
Brightest stars
The brightest stars of the figure: α Pic (3.3ᵐ), β Pic (3.8ᵐ), γ Pic (4.5ᵐ).
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 Pic | white subgiant | 3.3ᵐ |
| β Pic | white main-sequence star | 3.8ᵐ |
| γ Pic | orange giant | 4.5ᵐ |
Pictor FAQ
When is the best time to see Pictor?
Where is Pictor in the sky?
What is the brightest star in Pictor?
Neighbouring and other constellations
Related
Constellation lines: Stellarium, CC BY-SA · star names: IAU WGSN, CC BY 4.0