Vela
The sails of Argo. Genitive Velorum, abbreviated Vel. Introduced by Lacaille, from Argo Navis.
Area
499.64 sq°
32 of 88 by size
Brightest star
γ2 Velorum
magnitude 1.78
Best seen
February
on the meridian at midnight
Visible from
53°N to 90°S
some part above the horizon
Where it is
Principal stars
Every star to magnitude 4, brightest first.
| Star | Magnitude | HR |
|---|---|---|
| γ2 Velorum | 1.78 | 3207 |
| δ Velorum | 1.96 | 3485 |
| λ Velorum | 2.21 | 3634 |
| κ Velorum | 2.50 | 3734 |
| μ Velorum | 2.69 | 4216 |
| HR 3803 | 3.13 | 3803 |
| φ Velorum | 3.54 | 3940 |
| ψ Velorum | 3.60 | 3786 |
| HR 3447 | 3.62 | 3447 |
| HR 3614 | 3.75 | 3614 |
| HR 3445 | 3.84 | 3445 |
| HR 4167 | 3.84 | 4167 |
| HR 4023 | 3.85 | 4023 |
| HR 3487 | 3.91 | 3487 |
Deep sky
Objects with a Messier number or a name people use.
| Object | Catalogue | Type | Magnitude | Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eight-burst planetary | NGC 3132 | Planetary nebula | 8.0 | 0.8 |
- Magnitude: — where NGC 2000 gives none.
- Size: the largest dimension, in arcminutes.
My Sky
Rise, highest and set over your place, for any night: Vela
Further info
Sources
Principal stars: Bright Star Catalogue
Deep sky: NGC 2000.0
Area and borders: IAU constellation boundaries
