Volans

Transit Date of principal star:
5 February

Volans is one of those constellations introduced by Johann Bayer in his 1603 star atlas. He called it Piscis Volans; only the adjective has survived. The asterism shows a sideways view of the "flying fish" (sort of). This is one of the few constellations in which alpha is not the brightest star; beta Volans is slightly brighter, and three other stars are brighter than alpha Vol: Bayer stars. Volans has few attractions for the amateur observer: two fine binaries and a faint galaxy. Double stars: Gamma2 and gamma1 Volantis form a fine binary, a deep yellow primary and whitish component: 3.9, 5.8; PA 300º, separation 13.6". Notice that gamma2 is the primary. Epsilon Volantis has a faint component: 4.5, 8.1; PA 24º, separation 6.1". Variable stars: Volans has no variables suitable for amateur observation. Deep Sky Objects: There is one galaxy here which may be of some interest, a fairly faint but fine example of a barred spiral galaxy. NGC 2442 is a faint barred spiral galaxy found midway between gamma and epsilon Volantis. A slightly smaller galaxy with the same brightness (NGC 2434) is in the same field, just northwest. Return to the previous page: Or go to the Main Menu All files associated with The Constellations Web Page are © Richard Dibon-Smith.