The Flying Fish
Volans
Brightest star: Beta Volantis
Overview
Volans is a small southern constellation covering about 141 square degrees, situated between Carina to the north and Mensa and Chamaeleon to the south. Originally named Piscis Volans (the Flying Fish) by Keyser and de Houtman, it was later shortened to simply Volans. Its brightest star, Beta Volantis, is an orange giant shining at magnitude 3.8. The constellation was inspired by the flying fish the Dutch navigators observed during their voyages through tropical waters, creatures that launch themselves from the sea and glide through the air on extended pectoral fins. Volans is best observed from January through March from the Southern Hemisphere.
Mythology
Volans has no classical mythology, having been created from the observations of the first Dutch expedition to the East Indies in the 1590s. Flying fish would have been a remarkable sight for northern European sailors encountering them for the first time in tropical waters. These fish can glide for distances of over 200 meters, reaching heights of several meters above the water, using their enlarged pectoral fins as wings. In Japanese culture, flying fish (tobiuo) are associated with spring and new beginnings. In Caribbean folklore, flying fish represent freedom and the ability to transcend one's natural element. The constellation captures the wonder of discovering nature's unexpected abilities.
Astrological Significance
Volans does not feature in traditional astrological systems. Symbolically, the Flying Fish represents transcendence, the ability to move between different elements, and the courage to leave one's comfort zone. A creature of the sea that takes to the air embodies the theme of breaking boundaries and defying expectations. Those who connect with Volans energy may be natural boundary-crossers, comfortable in multiple environments and capable of surprising others with unexpected abilities. The flying fish also demonstrates that survival sometimes requires leaving the familiar environment entirely, even if only briefly, to escape danger and find new opportunities.
Observing Tips
Volans is visible only from the Southern Hemisphere and tropical latitudes, best observed during January through March. To find it, look between the brilliant star Canopus in Carina and the Large Magellanic Cloud. The constellation's stars are moderately faint but traceable under good conditions. Gamma Volantis is a beautiful double star for small telescopes, showing a golden and orange pair. The constellation contains several galaxies visible in larger telescopes, including the Lindsay-Shapley Ring Galaxy (AM 0644-741), a rare ring galaxy formed by a galactic collision. The nearby Large Magellanic Cloud and Carina Nebula provide spectacular neighboring scenery.