When is the best time to observe Theta Volantis?

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

Where is Theta Volantis located in the sky?

Theta Volantis lies in the constellation Volans at right ascension 08h 39m and declination -70° 23′.

What telescope do I need to split Theta Volantis?

Splitting Theta Volantis requires an aperture of roughly 60 mm or larger — the components are separated by about 40.5″ at magnitudes near 5.2. The companion is about 5.4 magnitudes fainter, so glare from the primary — not separation — sets the minimum aperture. Larger apertures and steady seeing help resolve the pair cleanly.

Theta Volantis — Double Star in Volans

DoubleStar Volans (Vol) Visible

Star Map + List + Plan Star Hop

Observe

1Physical Properties

Magnitude 5.20

Spectral Type A0V

Star Color White (B-V 0.01)

Distance 544 ly

2Position & Identifiers

RA 08h 39m 05.2s

Dec -70° 23' 13.0"

Constellation Volans (Vol)

HR 3460

HIP 42425

HD 74405

Bayer Theta

SIMBAD

3How easy to split?

Primary 5.2 mag Companion 10.6 mag Separation 40.5″

Sign in and configure your equipment and default location to see a personalized row.

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

Easy Medium Hard Very hard Impossible

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

4Visibility

Set a location in User Settings to see visibility data.

Best season Dec – Feb (peak: Jan)

5Multiple Star System Triple C: optical

Components 3 (triple)

Component IDs AC

Separation 40.5″

Companion Mag 10.6

Position Angle 104°

Star Colors A: White

Discoverer HJ 4134

Separation over time

Measured 1835 → 2015 (180 y)

Separation drift 35.0" → 40.5" (+5.50")

Rate +0.0306" / y

PA drift 106° → 104° (-2°, -0.011°/y)

Apparent motion is significant on a human timescale — worth revisiting in a decade.

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.