| Constellation | |
 List of stars in Circinus |
|
| Abbreviation | Cir |
|---|---|
| Genitive | Circini |
| Pronunciation | /ˈsɜrsɨnəs/ Círcinus, genitive /ˈsɜrsɨnaɪ/ |
| Symbolism | Compass |
| Right ascension | 15 |
| Declination | −60 |
| Area | 93 sq. deg. (85th) |
| Main stars | 3 |
| Bayer/Flamsteed stars |
9 |
| Stars with known planets |
0 |
| Bright stars | 0 |
| Nearby stars | 0 |
| Brightest star | α Cir (3.2m) |
| Nearest star | α Cir (53.5 ly) |
| Messier objects | 0 |
| Meteor showers | None |
| Bordering constellations |
Centaurus Musca Apus Triangulum Australe Norma Lupus |
| Visible at latitudes between +10° and −90°. Best visible at 21:00 (9 p.m.) during the month of June. |
|
The constellation Circinus is a small constellation in the southern sky, first defined in the 18th century. Its name is Latin for compass, referring to the drafting tool used for drawing circles; it should not be confused with Pyxis, a constellation that represents a mariner's compass.
Contents |
History
Circinus was introduced in the 18th century by Nicolas Louis de Lacaille, whose fascination with secular science led him to name the constellations he defined after scientific instruments.
Location
Circinus is located at a declination of −50 to −60 degrees, and hence the whole constellation is visible only south of the 30° north latitude.
References
- Ian Ridpath and Wil Tirion (2007). Stars and Planets Guide, Collins, London. ISBN 978-0007251209. Princeton University Press, Princeton. ISBN 978-0691135564.
External links
 |
Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Compass (drafting) |
|
Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Circinus |
|
|||||
This entry is from Wikipedia, the leading user-contributed encyclopedia. It may not have been reviewed by professional editors (see full disclaimer)
