Caelum

Caelum is one of the smallest and faintest constellations in the sky. Located in a relatively barren area of the southern sky, it contains no bright stars or notable deep-sky objects visible to amateur telescopes. It is the eighth smallest constellation by area.

Location in the Sky

When to Observe

Caelum is best observed during January. It is located in the SQ1 quadrant and is primarily visible from the southern hemisphere. The constellation contains 4 main stars forming its asterism, with 4 Bayer/Flamsteed designated stars in total. Its brightest star is Alpha Caeli.

Mythology & History

Caelum has no classical mythology as it was introduced by Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille in the 1750s. It was originally called Caela Sculptoris, meaning the sculptor's chisels. Lacaille created this and other constellations to fill gaps in the southern sky not covered by classical constellations.