Columba – The Dove

Columba is one of the 88 constellations within the celestial sphere.

Columba is one of the 42 constellations that represents an animal.

Symbolism: Columba is also known as ‘The Dove’

History & Mythology

Invented in 1592 by the Dutch astronomer Petrus Plancius, the faint constellation to the south of Lupus was formed out of stars that were not part of other constellations. Columba represents a story in the bible of the Dove that was sent out of the ark by Noah to find dry land. The Dove’s body is noted by the star ‘Wezn’  

Key Data

Bordering Constellations: Columba is bordered by constellations Canis Major, Puppis, Pictor, Caelium & Lupus.

Sky Chart #: 6.

Star Raking: 54th largest constellation in the celestial sphere. 

Main Stars: Columba consists of 5 main stars.

Brightest Star: Alpha Columbae.

Kids Fun Facts Corner

# 1. Columba has 1 star with planets.

# 2. Columba has 3 Deep-Sky Objects. NGC 1792, NGC 1808 & NGC 1851.

# 3. Alpha Columbae is the brightest star in Columba.

Q&A Corner

Q. What is Columba also known as?  

Q. How many main stars does Columba have?

Q. What is the brightest star in Columba?

Q. How many stars have planets in Columba?

Q. What number star ranking is Columba in the celestial sphere?

Download questions about the Columba Constellation here: Columba (answers are on this page)

Teachers. For more in depth work sheets on constellations. Click on Kidskonnect Worksheets  

For further reading and more information on the Columba Constellation visit www.kids.kiddle.com/Columba