Volans constellation: how to find it, when to see it and what is in it
In short
Volans (Vol) is a southern constellation covering 141 square degrees, number 76 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 March. It never rises over London — it is visible south of 11° north. Its neighbours in the sky: Carina, Chamaeleon, Dorado, Mensa, Pictor.
Area: 141 square degrees, 76 of 88 · Neighbours: Carina, Chamaeleon, Dorado, Mensa, Pictor · Updated 10 October 2026
How to find Volans
- 1
Where it is visible
The constellation rises above the horizon south of 11° north and is well seen from the southern hemisphere.
- 2
Use the neighbours
Find it from the neighbouring constellations: Carina, Chamaeleon, Dorado, Mensa.
- 3
Brightest stars
The brightest stars of the figure: β Vol (3.8ᵐ), γ² Vol (3.8ᵐ), ζ Vol (4.0ᵐ).
When it is visible over London
| Month | Where and when | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| January — december | — | never rises |
Stars of the constellation
| Star | What it is | Magnitude |
|---|---|---|
| β Vol | orange giant | 3.8ᵐ |
| γ² Vol | orange giant | 3.8ᵐ |
| ζ Vol | orange giant | 4.0ᵐ |
| δ Vol | yellow-white bright giant | 4.0ᵐ |
| α Vol | white subgiant | 4.0ᵐ |
| ε Vol | blue-white subgiant | 4.3ᵐ |
Volans FAQ
When is the best time to see Volans?
Where is Volans in the sky?
What is the brightest star in Volans?
Neighbouring and other constellations
Related
Constellation lines: Stellarium, CC BY-SA · star names: IAU WGSN, CC BY 4.0