Vela Constellation
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Vela, the sails, is a southern constellation that was once part of Argo Navis, representing the sails of a ship.
Vela Rise and Set Timetable
| Time | Elevation | |
| Vela Rise | 16:17 | |
| Vela Transit | 16:38 | 0° |
| Vela Set | 17:00 | |
| Astrosession begin | 22:18 | -27° |
| Moon Rise, 23.1% illuminated | 02:37 | -67° |
| Astrosession end | 04:48 | -80° |
| Moon Set | 17:09 | -0° |
Track Vela Position Throughout the Night
← Sat, 21 June 2025 →
| Time | 02:18 |
| Altitude | -27° |
| Azimuth | 134° |
Shift the map to change the time and observe Vela changing position in the night sky.
Annual motion of Vela
| Date | Sat, 21 June 2025 |
| Twighlight start | 23:02 |
| Twighlight end | 03:54 |
| Twighlight duration | 5h 52m |
| Rise | 16:13 |
| Set | 16:56 |
| Elevation at transit | 0° |
| Transit time | 16:34 |
| Equatorial coordinates | RA: 09h 03m 58s", Dec: -49° 54' 52s |
| Magnitude | - |
| Constellation |
The graph illustrates the annual visibility pattern of a Vela, providing a comprehensive overview of its daily appearances and transit times throughout the year.
The graph is structured with the vertical axis showing the hours of the day, ranging from 12 AM to 12 AM the next day, while the horizontal axis spans each day of the year.
The reddish shaded area indicates the periods when the Vela is above the horizon, visible to observers. The white line marks the times when the celestial object reaches its highest point in the sky each day, known as the transit.
The graph is structured with the vertical axis showing the hours of the day, ranging from 12 AM to 12 AM the next day, while the horizontal axis spans each day of the year.
The reddish shaded area indicates the periods when the Vela is above the horizon, visible to observers. The white line marks the times when the celestial object reaches its highest point in the sky each day, known as the transit.
Acknowledgements
We gratefully acknowledge the International Astronomical Union (IAU) for defining and standardizing the official constellation boundaries, which provide a consistent framework for celestial mapping.
Special thanks to Sky & Telescope Magazine and contributors Roger Sinnott and Rick Fienberg for their collaboration in producing the charts and tables. The constellation patterns, drawn by Alan MacRobert, were influenced by the work of H. A. Rey and thoughtfully adjusted to align with earlier traditions.