English name | Dove | ||||
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Major stars | alpha Columbae | Phact | magn. 2,7 | RA: 05h 39m 38.95s | Dec: -34° 04' 27.0" |
beta Columbae | Wazn | magn. 3,2 | RA: 05h 50m 57.58s | Dec: -35° 46' 07.0" | |
Description | Small constellation situated to the southwest of Canis Maior. It doesn't contain any particularly interesting objects, besides a globular cluster, NGC 1851, of seventh magnitude. | ||||
Mythology and history | This constellation was invented by the Dutch astronomer and theologian Petrus Plancius in 1592. It represents the dove which Noah freed after the end of the Deluge. |