 |
CONSTELLATION OF VELA |
Name: Vela
Abbreviation: Vel
Meaning: Sails
Right Ascension: 9h
Declination: -50º
Area (Degrees squared): 500
Stars with known planets: 3
Bordering Constellations: Antlia, Pyxis, Puppis,
Carina, Centaurus
Visible at latitudes between +30º and -90º and best at mid-evening during March. In the northern hemisphere, the constellation of Vela
is considered a winter constellation and is visible from February to May depending on the time of night.
|
| Vela |
 |
| Observations |
Deep Sky Objects:
NGC 3132 - Planetary Nebula, magnitude 8.00, known as the Eight-Burst Planetary
IC 2391 - Open Cluster, magnitude 2.50
Numbered Stars with Magnitudes:
1. +1.75 - Regor
2. +2.20 - Suhail
3. +3.95
4. +3.85
5. +5.25
6. +4.10
7. +2.70
8. +3.50
9. +2.45
10. +1.95
11. +4.80
|
| Argo Navis |
Argo Navis was a large constellation in the southern sky which represented the ship used by Jason and the Argonauts.
Argo Navis is the only one of the 48 constellations listed by the 1st century astronomer Ptolemy that is no longer officially recognised as a constellation. Due to
its huge size, it would be the largest constellation of all. In 1752, the French astronomer Nicolas Louis de Lacaille subdivided Argo Navis into
Carina (the keel of the ship), Puppis (the poop deck) and Vela (the sails).
The constellation Pyxis (the mariner's compass) occupies an area which was once considered part of Argo's mast. However, Pyxis is not
now considered part of Argo Navis.
|
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
In-Site Links: