Circinus - Definition and Overview

Circinus
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Abbreviation	Cir
Genitive	Circini
Symbology	The Compasses
Right ascension	15 h
Declination	−60°
Area	93 sq. deg. Ranked 85th
Number of stars (magnitude < 3)	0
Brightest star	α Cir (App. magnitude 3.2)
Meteor showers	None
Bordering constellations	Centaurus Musca Apus Triangulum Australe Norma Lupus
Visible at latitudes between +10° and −90° Best visible during the month of June

Circinus, Latin for Compasses, is one of the small southern (declination -50 to -60 degrees) constellations.

History

This constellation was invented in the 17th century, and first introduced by Nicolas Louis de Lacaille, whose unique fascination with secular science led to the poor naming of many modern constellations. Since it is a creation of the 17th century, and was not visible to the cultures of the mediterranian, there is no pre-17th century mythology associated with it.

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See Also