SkyRef / Constellations

The Vela constellation

Best placed in November. It lies south of the celestial equator and sits low for northern observers, better the further south you go.

Where and when

Best monthNovember
Right ascension9.6h
Declination-46°
Line segments1

Finding it

Vela is centred near right ascension 9.6 hours, declination -46°. It lies south of the celestial equator and sits low for northern observers, better the further south you go.

It reaches its highest point in the sky around local midnight in November, which is when it is easiest to pick out. Earlier in the year it rises before dawn; later, it is already setting in the evening.

See it on the live map

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Other constellations

AndromedaAntliaApusAquariusAquilaAraAriesAurigaBoötesCaelumCamelopardalisCancerCanes VenaticiCanis MajorCanis MinorCapricornusCarinaCassiopeiaCentaurusCepheusCetusChamaeleonCircinusColumbaComa BerenicesCorona AustrinaCorona BorealisCorvusCraterCruxCygnusDelphinusDoradoDracoEquuleusEridanusFornaxGeminiGrusHercules