Constellation Columba
Image credit: NASA, ESA and G. Bacon (STScI)
The constellation Columba, also known as the Dove, is a prominent constellation in the southern sky. It was named by Dutch astronomer Petrus Plancius in the late 16th century. Columba represents the dove released by Noah from the Ark in the biblical story of the Great Flood.
Columba is located between the constellations of Canis Major, Lepus, Pictor, and Caelum. It is most visible from the southern hemisphere during the months of December to March, and appears low on the horizon in the northern hemisphere. Its prominent stars include Alpha Columbae, also known as Phact, and Beta Columbae, also known as Wazn.
“The constellation Columba shines bright, reminding us of hope and new beginnings.”
– Anonymous
Columba hosts several notable celestial objects, including the famous barred spiral galaxy NGC 1808. Discovered by James Dunlop, an Australian astronomer, in 1826, NGC 1808 is characterized by its distorted shape and active star-forming regions. It is located approximately 40 million light-years away from Earth.
In addition to NGC 1808, Columba is also home to a variety of other galaxies, star clusters, and nebulae that are popular targets for amateur astronomers in the southern hemisphere. These include the NGC 1851 globular cluster and the Esch and Running Chicken Nebulas.
Overall, the constellation Columba offers stargazers a diverse range of celestial objects to explore. Whether observing from a professional observatory or a backyard telescope, the wonders of Columba provide a sense of awe and inspiration, reminding us of the immense beauty and mystery of the universe.
Keep looking up!