Pyxis

Pyxis

Constellation
List of stars in Pyxis
Abbreviation	Pyx
Genitive	Pyxidis
Pronunciation	/ˈpɪksɨs/, genitive /ˈpɪksɨdɨs/
Symbolism	the compass box
Right ascension	9
Declination	−30
Area	221 sq. deg. (65th)
Main stars	3
Stars with known planets	3
Bright stars	0
Nearby stars	1
Brightest star	α Pyx (3.68m)
Nearest star	HD 72673 (39.7 ly)
Messier objects	None
Meteor showers	None
Bordering constellations	Hydra Puppis Vela Antlia
Visible at latitudes between +50° and −90°. Best visible at 21:00 (9 p.m.) during the month of March.

Pyxis (Latin: box) is a small and faint constellation in the southern sky. Its name is Latin for a mariner's compass (it should not be confused with Circinus, which represents a draftsman's compasses). Pyxis is completely visible in latitudes south of 53 degrees north from January through March.

Pyxis was introduced by Nicolas Louis de Lacaille in the eighteenth century; he called it Pyxis Nautica, but the name was shortened. The constellation is located close to those forming the old constellation of Argo Navis (the ship Argo), and in the nineteenth century astronomer John Herschel suggested renaming Pyxis to 'Malus, the mast', but the suggestion was not followed.

References

• Source of values: http://www.astro.wisc.edu/~dolan/
• Ian Ridpath and Wil Tirion (2007). Stars and Planets Guide, Collins, London. ISBN 978-0007251209. Princeton University Press, Princeton. ISBN 978-0691135564.

External links

• Star Tales – Pyxis

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Pyxis

Coordinates: 09^h 00^m 00^s, −30° 00′ 00″

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