Columba (constellation) - Definition and Overview

Columba
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Abbreviation	Col
Genitive	Columbae
Symbology	Dove
Right ascension	6 h
Declination	−35°
Area	270 sq. deg. Ranked 55th
Number of stars (magnitude < 3)	1
Brightest star	Phact (α Col) (App. magnitude 2.6)
Meteor showers	None
Bordering constellations	Lepus Caelum Pictor Puppis Canis Major
Visible at latitudes between +45° and −90° Best visible during the month of February

Columba, Latin for dove, is a small constellation just south to Canis Major and Lepus, it was cut out of the constellation Canis Major by Augustin Royer, in 1679.

Mythology

Since this constellation was invented in the 17th century, by cutting up parts of earlier constellations, there is pre-17th century mythology associated with this constellation as a seperate distinct entity.

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See Also