Vela constellation: how to find it, when to see it and what is in it
In short
Vela (Vel) is a southern constellation covering 500 square degrees, number 32 of 88 by size. Its brightest star is γ² Vel, a blue supergiant, magnitude 1.8. It is best seen in the evening in March. It never rises over London — it is visible south of 31° north. Its neighbours in the sky: Antlia, Carina, Centaurus, Puppis, Pyxis.
Area: 500 square degrees, 32 of 88 · Neighbours: Antlia, Carina, Centaurus, Puppis, Pyxis · Updated 10 October 2026
How to find Vela
- 1
Where it is visible
The constellation rises above the horizon south of 31° north and is well seen from the southern hemisphere.
- 2
Use the neighbours
Find it from the neighbouring constellations: Antlia, Carina, Centaurus, Puppis.
- 3
Brightest stars
The brightest stars of the figure: γ² Vel (1.8ᵐ), Alsephina (2.0ᵐ), Suhail (2.2ᵐ).
When it is visible over London
| Month | Where and when | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| January — december | — | never rises |
Stars of the constellation
| Star | What it is | Magnitude |
|---|---|---|
| γ² Vel | blue supergiant | 1.8ᵐ |
| Alsephina · δ Vel | white main-sequence star | 2.0ᵐ |
| Suhail · λ Vel | orange supergiant | 2.2ᵐ |
| Markeb · κ Vel | blue-white subgiant | 2.5ᵐ |
| μ Vel | yellow giant | 2.7ᵐ |
| φ Vel | blue-white supergiant | 3.5ᵐ |
| ψ Vel | yellow-white subgiant | 3.6ᵐ |
| HR 3447 | blue-white subgiant | 3.6ᵐ |
Vela FAQ
When is the best time to see Vela?
Where is Vela in the sky?
What is the brightest star in Vela?
Neighbouring and other constellations
Related
Constellation lines: Stellarium, CC BY-SA · star names: IAU WGSN, CC BY 4.0