Puppis constellation: how to find it, when to see it and what is in it
In short
Puppis (Pup) is a southern constellation covering 674 square degrees, number 20 of 88 by size. Its brightest star is Naos, a blue star, magnitude 2.3. It is best seen in the evening in February. Over London it stays low — you need an open southern horizon. Its neighbours in the sky: Canis Major, Carina, Columba, Hydra, Monoceros, Pictor, Pyxis, Vela.
Area: 674 square degrees, 20 of 88 · Neighbours: Canis Major, Carina, Columba, Hydra, Monoceros, Pictor, Pyxis, Vela · Updated 10 October 2026
How to find Puppis
- 1
When to look
The best time is in February in the evening: —.
- 2
Use the neighbours
Find it from the neighbouring constellations: Canis Major, Carina, Columba, Hydra.
- 3
Brightest stars
The brightest stars of the figure: Naos (2.3ᵐ), π Pup (2.7ᵐ), Tureis (2.8ᵐ).
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Naos · ζ Pup | blue star | 2.3ᵐ |
| π Pup | orange supergiant | 2.7ᵐ |
| Tureis · ρ Pup | yellow-white bright giant | 2.8ᵐ |
| τ Pup | orange giant | 2.9ᵐ |
| Pipit · ν Pup | blue-white giant | 3.2ᵐ |
| σ Pup | orange giant | 3.3ᵐ |
| HR 3043 | yellow giant | 5.3ᵐ |
Puppis FAQ
When is the best time to see Puppis?
Where is Puppis in the sky?
What is the brightest star in Puppis?
Neighbouring and other constellations
Related
Constellation lines: Stellarium, CC BY-SA · star names: IAU WGSN, CC BY 4.0