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 constellation Corona Australis

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.

Globular cluster NGC 6541
Globular cluster NGC 6541; Author: NASA Hubble Space Telescope; Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/nasahubble/50291821361/

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

Constellation Completeness5 of 5 stars

All stars of this constellation can be observed from your location

Constellation Visibility

When the constellation is above the horizon (includes daylight hours)

Rises

When the first star of the constellation rises

19:35

Jul 23

Fully Up

All stars of the constellation are visible

20:11 – 03:24

Jul 23

Starts Setting

When the first star of the constellation settles below the horizon

03:24

Jul 24

Fully Set

When all stars are below the horizon

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

Use the optimal window for best results
Check weather conditions before observing
Allow 20+ minutes for dark adaptation
Find a location away from city lights
Times shown in America/Los_Angeles (PDT)
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