Pyxis


Pyxis


English nameCompass

Major
stars
No star of the constellation exceeds the magnitude 3,5.

DescriptionWeak constellation of the southern hemisphere, to the north of Vela and to the east of Puppis. Its brightest stars are of fourth magnitude.

The only interesting object is T Pyxidis, a recurrent nova: it is normally of fourteenth magnitude, but sometimes it unexpectedly increases its brightness up to reach the magnitude 6. Eruptions were recorded in the years 1890, 1902, 1920, 1944 and 1966: it is probable therefore that in the future there will be other phenomena.


Mythology
and history
The constellation was drawn by Nicolas Louis de La Caille in 1756. It represents the magnetic compass used by the sailors.


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