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Sky Chart and Artist Rendering of Piscis Austrinus
Origin:
One of the 48 constellations described by Ptolemy in the Almagest
(A.D. 140). This is an ancient constellation, ranking among the
oldest known constellations, and is also known by the name Piscis
Australis. The fish is south of Aquarius, the
Water Bearer, and in old drawings the fish is swimming in or drinking
from the water spilling from Aquarius' jar. The southern fish is the
parent of the zodiacal fish, Pisces.
Information:
The small constellation is easily recognized by it's magnitude 1 Fomalhaut
(Alpha Piscis Austrini) sitting alone against a sky of only faint
stars. The wedge shape of the southern fish pointing generally west
is then easy to spot. Piscis Austrinus culminates at 9 pm late in
October. The constellation is known for its number of galaxies
visible in amateur-sized telescopes 20 cm and bigger. |
