Columba (The Dove)

Small southern constellation of the dove that followed the flood.

Core Principles & Analysis

• Petrus Plancius introduced it in 1592 from stars south of Lepus, in memory of Noah's dove.
• It is one of the few constellations with a biblical rather than mythological inspiration.
• Several of its young stars are runaway stars, fleeing the region of Orion at unusual speed.

Specifications & Metrics

• BRIGHTEST STAR: Phact (α Col)
• HEMISPHERE: Southern
• BEST VIEWED: January