Gamma Velorum is a fine multiple binary of at least five members. The two brightest components are suitable for binoculars.

The primary is gamma², with a magnitude of 1.8 The companion, gamma¹, is 4.3 magnitude, found at a position angle of 220º and 41".
    This companion is often listed as a true binary, that is, gravitationally bound to the primary. However the Hipparcos satellite reveals that the brighter of the two is moving at an apparent angle of 236º while gamma¹ has an angle of 329º. Also, with a distance of 840 light years gamma² is nearly half the distance of gamma¹, now measured at 1600 light years. Thus they should be considered optical only. Still, it's a lovely sight.

The region is at the extreme western edge of the constellation, very near Puppis. However, it is more easily found once you have studied Carina. Locate the large star cluster NGC 2516. (If you have difficulty, review Carina, specifically NGC 2516.) Place this cluster at the bottom of your glasses and then move up one full field of vision. Chi Carinae will be in your field of vision: chi Carinae.

Now place this star at the bottom of your glasses and gamma Velorum will be just barely out of your field of vision to the north-northwest. Gather all these stars up in your field of vision. Most of them are actually in Puppis, but the brightest is gamma Velorum: binoculars

You might also start from Canopus (alpha Car) and move two complete fields of vision to the east (first putting Canopus at the right edge of your glasses). That will take you to chi Carinae. Now follow the same directions as above to find gamma Velorum.

The brighter star, gamma², is a renowned star belonging to a group of very hot and luminous stars called Wolf-Rayet stars. In fact, it's the brightest member of this group, and quite possibly the most massive of this type of star. As such it is constantly subjected to a great deal of study.

There are two objects of interest in the general field of gamma Velorum. To the south, and in the same field of view, is the star cluster NGC 2547 while to the northeast of gamma is the curious variable known as AI Velorum.