When is the best time to observe Epsilon Volantis?

Epsilon Volantis is best observed from December through February, with peak visibility during January when it transits around midnight in the Northern Hemisphere.

Where is Epsilon Volantis located in the sky?

Epsilon Volantis lies in the constellation Volans at right ascension 08h 08m and declination -68° 37′.

What telescope do I need to split Epsilon Volantis?

Splitting Epsilon Volantis requires an aperture of roughly 80 mm or larger — the components are separated by about 5.7″ at magnitudes near 4.3. Larger apertures and steady seeing help resolve the pair cleanly.

Epsilon Volantis — Double Star in Volans

Observable Double Star Excellent (62/100)

Sep: 5.7", Companion: mag 7.3

Magnitude 4.3^m DoubleStar Volans (Vol) Visible

Star Map + List + Plan

Observe

1Physical Properties

Magnitude 4.35

Spectral Type B6IV subgiant

Star Color Blue-white (B-V -0.11)

2Position & Identifiers

RA 08h 07m 55.8s

Dec -68° 37' 02.0"

Constellation Volans (Vol)

HR 3223

HIP 39794

HD 68520

SAO 250128

Bayer Epsilon

SIMBAD

3How easy to split?

Primary 4.4 mag Companion 7.3 mag Separation 5.7″

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Telescope	Bortle 3	Bortle 4	Bortle 5
80 mm refractor 80mm refr.	Medium+	Medium+	Medium+
150 mm Newton 150mm Newt.	Easy	Easy	Easy
Celestron C8 (203 mm SCT) C8 203mm	Easy	Easy	Easy

Easy Medium Hard Very hard Impossible

Bortle 3 = rural · 4 = outer suburbs · 5 = suburbs

4Visibility

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Best season Dec – Feb (peak: Jan)

5Multiple Star System

Separation 5.7″

Companion Mag 7.3

Position Angle 24°

Star Colors A: Blue-white B: Yellow-white

Discoverer RMK 7

Separation over time

Measured 1835 → 2020 (185 y)

Separation drift 6.7" → 5.7" (-1.00")

Rate -0.0054" / y

PA drift 23° → 24° (+1°, +0.005°/y)

Slow change over generations — observable in lifetime comparisons.

Measured from the WDS observational archive. No orbital solution has been derived — most likely the period is too long to fit an orbit to the available measurement arc.