Volans constellation lies in the southern sky. It is one of the smallest constellations. It represents the flying fish.
Volans is not associated with any myths. It was one of the constellations created by the Dutch astronomer and cartographer Petrus Plancius in the late 16th century that first appeared depicted in a star atlas in 1603, in Johann Bayer’s Uranometria. The constellation was originally named Piscis Volans, the flying fish, by Plancius, but the name was eventually shortened to Volans.
Volans contains several notable deep sky objects, among them the Lindsay-Shapley Ring (AM0644-741), the Meathook Galaxy (NGC 2442), and the spiral galaxy NGC 2397.
FACTS, LOCATION & MAP
Volans is the 76th constellation in size, occupying an area of 141 square degrees. It is located in the second quadrant of the southern sky (SQ2) and can be seen at latitudes between +15° and -90°. The neighboring constellations are Carina, Chamaeleon, Dorado, Mensa and Pictor.
Volans belongs to the Johann Bayer family of constellations, along with Apus, Chamaeleon, Dorado, Grus, Hydrus, Indus, Musca, Pavo, Phoenix and Tucana.
Volans contains two stars with confirmed planets and does not have any Messier objects. The brightest star in the constellation is Beta Volantis, with an apparent magnitude of 3.77. There are no meteor showers associated with the constellation.
STORY
Volans is one of the 12 constellations that were introduced by the Dutch navigators Pieter Dirkszoon Keyser and Frederick de Houtman in the late 16th century. It was first depicted on Petrus Plancius’ globe in 1598. Plancius called the constellation Vliegendenvis.
In 1603, Johann Bayer included the constellation in his star atlas Uranometria under the name Piscis Volans, the flying fish. It was known by that name until the mid-19th century. It was John Herschel who suggested that the name be shortened to just Volans.
In 1845, Francis Baily included the constellation in his British Association Catalogue as Volans and the name has stuck ever since.
Volans represents a type of tropical fish that can jump out of the water and glide through the air on wings. In the sky, the flying fish is often depicted as being chased by the predatory fish represented by Dorado constellation.
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