Norma (constellation) - Definition and Overview

Norma
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Abbreviation	Nor
Genitive	Normae
Symbology	the Normal
Right ascension	16.05 h
Declination	−52.01°
Area	165 sq. deg. Ranked 74th
Number of stars (magnitude < 3)	0
Brightest star	γ Nor (App. magnitude 4.0)
Meteor showers	Gamma Normids
Bordering constellations	Scorpius Lupus Circinus Triangulum Australe Ara
Visible at latitudes between +30° and −90° Best visible during the month of July

Norma (Latin for Normal, i.e. right angle) is a small and inconspicuous constellation of the southern hemisphere, near Scorpius, on the Milky Way.

Notable features

Norma has no α or β star; its brightest star, γ² Normae, is only of fourth magnitude.

Notable deep-sky objects

Due to its location on the Milky Way, this constellation contains many deep sky objects. The brightest of the open clusters in the constellation is NGC 6087, in the northwestern corner.

History

This constellation was named by Nicolas Louis de Lacaille during his stay at the Cape of Good Hope from 1751 to 1752. He originally called it Norma et Regula (the Normal (a Set Square) and the Ruler (a Level) ), referring to the carpenter's tools. The constellation had previously been called the Southern Triangle (no relation to Triangulum Australe) and Quadrans Euclidis (Euclid's square). Since it lies in the south, and was created in the 17th century, this constellation has no early or classical mythology associated with it.

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See Also