The constellation Corona Australis
Characteristics
- Other names / Symbolism
- Southern Crown
- Hemisphere
- Southern hemisphere
- Visibility
- May - August
- Area
- 128 deg²
- Brightest star
- Alphekka Meridiana (HIP number 94114)
- Specialties
- Globular cluster

The Corona Australis, also known as the Southern Crown, is a small, inconspicuous constellation in the southern sky and the counterpart to a constellation of almost the same name in the northern hemisphere. It is one of the 48 ancient constellations introduced by the Greco-Roman astronomer Claudius Ptolemy. There are very few deep-sky objects in this area of the sky.
Hemisphere, visibility, and area
The Corona Australis constellation lies in the southern celestial sky and can be observed from the entire southern hemisphere. North of the equator, it can only be fully seen in regions up to the 45th parallel, such as Venice in Italy or Portland and Minneapolis in the United States.
The best conditions for observing the constellation are from May to August. It has a small area of only about 128 square degrees, making it the 80th largest of all 88 constellations.
The Corona Australis is very inconspicuous due to its dim stars. The main stars are connected in visualizations to form an uneven semicircle. The star with the historical name Alphekka Meridiana (Latin: α Coronae Australis, Alpha Coronae Australis) is the brightest star, with an apparent magnitude of approximately 4.1 and a distance of around 125 light-years from earth. Its unique name comes from Arabic and means "the bright (star) of the broken (ring of stars)."
To find the Corona Australis in the night sky, it is helpful to orient oneself with the surrounding constellations. To the north, west, and east are the constellations of Sagittarius and Scorpius, which are particularly known in astrology. To the south lie the Ara and Telescopium constellations.
Specialties in the constellation
In the area of the Corona Australis are no objects visible to the naked eye. However, with the help of professional equipment, such as binoculars or a telescope, a beautiful globular cluster can be observed.
It bears the catalog number NGC 6541. It has an apparent magnitude of about 6.1 and is estimated to be about 22,000 light-years away. The Italian astronomer Niccolò Cacciatore discovered it in March 1826.
The object lies in the southeastern part of the constellation. In prism binoculars, it appears as a nebulous patch. However, a medium-sized telescope is needed to resolve it into individual stars.

Mythology
The Corona Australis was defined in Greek antiquity and is the counterpart to the constellation Corona Borealis (commonly known as Northern Crown).
According to legend, the Corona Australis is a representation of the laurel wreath of Crotus, a joyful son of the nymph Eupheme and the god Pan. He loved art and musical performances and always liked to surround himself with muses. They admired his performances, and in their enthusiasm, they laid a laurel wreath at his feet as a sign of honor.
After his death, they asked Zeus to immortalize Crotus in the heavens. So he became the constellation Sagittarius, and his laurel wreath was placed in the night sky as the Southern Crown.
Constellation Visibility Tool
Los Angeles, USA
34.05°, -118.24°
Constellation Observing Guide
This guide shows when the constellation is visible above the horizon and provides the optimal viewing window when the sky is darkest. Times are displayed in the location's timezone (PDT).
🎯 Best Observing Window
Optimal time when the constellation is fully visible AND the sky is at its darkest. Perfect for telescopic observations, astrophotography, and viewing faint details.
Optimal start
21:11
Jul 23, 21:11
Optimal end
03:24
Jul 24, 03:24
Duration
6.2h
Prime observing time
✨ Perfect Observing Conditions
This is the overlap when the constellation is above horizon AND the sky is at its darkest. Ideal for telescopic observations and photography.
Constellation Visibility from Your Location
5
Visible Stars
0
Never Rise
0
Always Up
100%
Visible
All stars of this constellation can be observed from your location
Constellation Visibility
When the constellation is above the horizon (includes daylight hours)
Rises
19:35
Jul 23
Fully Up
20:11 – 03:24
Jul 23
Starts Setting
03:24
Jul 24
Fully Set
03:52
Jul 24
Above Horizon Times
Includes daylight hours when stars aren't visible to naked eye.
Astronomical Night
When the sky is darkest (sun >18° below horizon)
Dark sky begins
21:11
Jul 23
Dark sky ends
05:01
Jul 24
Darkest Sky Period
Sun more than 18° below horizon. Best for faint objects.
Observing Tips
Read more interesting articles

An overview of all 88 constellations
Learn more about all 88 constellations and read interesting information about the mythology, visibility, and features.

Planetarium App
Discover the night sky with our planetarium app!
Available for iOS and Android.

Name a star in the constellation Corona Australis
Name a star in a constellation and create something that lasts for eternity.