Columba

Columba is a small constellation in the southern sky, located south of Lepus and Canis Major. Its brightest star Phact is a blue-white star of magnitude 2.6. The constellation contains several interesting deep-sky objects and the runaway star Mu Columbae, ejected from the Orion Nebula region.

Location in the Sky

When to Observe

Columba is best observed during February. It is located in the SQ1 quadrant and is primarily visible from the southern hemisphere. The constellation contains 5 main stars forming its asterism, with 18 Bayer/Flamsteed designated stars in total. Its brightest star is Phact.

Mythology & History

Columba was created by Petrus Plancius in the late 16th century from stars near Canis Major and Lepus. It represents the dove sent by Noah from the Ark to find dry land after the biblical flood, or alternatively the dove that guided the Argonauts through the Clashing Rocks at the entrance to the Black Sea.