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Sky Chart and Artist Rendering of Circinus
Origin:
The compasses were introduced by French astronomer, Nicolas Louis de Lacaille in 1752,
celebrating an important navigation tool available to the sailor.
Circinus joins Octans (the octant) and Sextans (the sextant). Of importance, the
compasses are drawn as the drawing tool (like "dividers") rather
than the magnetic instrument. The magnetic compass is honored in Pyxis, the Compass.
Information:
The very small constellation Circinus is generally seen as a triangle of
stars, longer than wide, just east of Centaurus.
Circinus is a southern constellation so will be near the horizon for
northern observers north of about 20° N lat. It is highest in the
sky around 9 pm mid- to late-June. |
