Octans - Definition and Overview

Octans
click for larger image
Abbreviation	Oct
Genitive	Octantis
Symbology	the Octant
Right ascension	?????? h
Declination	−??????°
Area	?????? sq. deg. Ranked ??????th
Number of stars (magnitude < 3)	??????
Brightest star	Sigma Octantis (App. magnitude ??????)
Meteor showers	?????? ??????
Bordering constellations	Tucana Indus Pavo Apus Chamaeleon Mensa Hydrus
Visible at latitudes between +??????° and −??????° Best visible during the month of ??????

Octans (Latin for octant) is an inconspicuous constellation introduced by Nicolas Louis de Lacaille. It is notable mainly as the location of the south celestial pole. Its star Sigma Octantis (σ Oct) is the closest naked-eye star to the pole, but it is so faint that it is practically useless as a polar star for navigation purposes. Fortunately, the constellation Crux, the Southern Cross, points at the pole.

History

Since Octans was introduced in the 17th century, and lies near the southern pole, it was not known to classical or early cultures, and so they produced no mythology concerning it.

This astronomy article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it (http://www.wordiq.com/definition/Octans).

See Also