CONSTELLATION OF COLUMBA

Name: Columba
Abbreviation: Col
Meaning: Dove
Right Ascension: 6h
Declination: -35º
Area (Degrees squared): 270
Stars with known planets: 0
Bordering Constellations: Lepus, Caelum, Pictor, Puppis, Canis Major

Visible at latitudes between +45º and -90º and best at mid-evening during February. In the northern hemisphere, the constellation of Columba is considered a winter constellation and is visible from December to March depending on the time of night.

The constellation of Columba was created by Dutch astronomer Petrus Plancius in 1592 to differentiate from the stars of the large and adjacent constellation of Canis Major. Plancius first depicted Columba on celestial planispheres in 1592.