Pyxis constellation
Pyxis (the Mariner's Compass) is a constellation in the southern sky, best seen in the evening in March. Its brightest star is α Pyxidis (magnitude 3.68). Pyxis covers 221 square degrees and is the 65th-largest of the 88 constellations.
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Detailed star map of Pyxis
Facts
| Latin name | Pyxis (genitive: Pyxidis) |
|---|---|
| Abbreviation | Pyx |
| Meaning | the Mariner's Compass |
| Area | 221 square degrees (65th of 88) |
| Location | right ascension 8.9 h, declination −28° |
| Visible from | latitudes 53° N to 90° S (whole constellation) |
| Best month | March (at about 9 pm) |
| Brightest star | α Pyxidis |
| Stars brighter than magnitude 6 | 18 |
| Named stars (IAU) | none |
| Messier objects | none |
| Neighbors | Antlia, Hydra, Puppis, Vela |
How to find Pyxis
From 40° N (the USA, southern Europe, Japan) look south in March evenings: at about 9 pm Pyxis stands highest, around 22° above the southern horizon. From 35° S (Australia, South Africa, Argentina) it is highest in the north, about 83° above the horizon. The months before and after (February and April) are also good: then it is up a couple of hours earlier or later.
Pyxis borders Antlia, Hydra, Puppis and Vela.
Stars of Pyxis
Pyxis has 18 stars brighter than magnitude 6, the limit of the naked eye under a dark sky. These are the brightest:
| Star | Designation | Magnitude | Type | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | α Pyxidis | 3.68 | B1.5III | — |
| — | β Pyxidis | 3.97 | G7Ib-II | — |
| — | γ Pyxidis | 4.01 | K3-III | — |
Printable Pyxis map and outline
A black and white version for printing and a plain outline of the Pyxis figure, useful for school projects, worksheets and learning to recognize the shape.
History
Pyxis is introduced by the French astronomer Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille, who charted the southern sky from the Cape of Good Hope in 1751–52. Its official boundary was drawn by Eugène Delporte for the International Astronomical Union in 1930.
Questions about Pyxis
What is the brightest star in Pyxis?
α Pyxidis, at magnitude 3.68.
When can you see Pyxis?
Pyxis is best seen in the evening in March. The whole constellation is visible from latitudes between 53° N and 90° S.
How many stars are in Pyxis?
18 stars in Pyxis are brighter than magnitude 6 and can be seen with the naked eye under a dark sky; none of them has an official IAU name.
What does Pyxis mean?
Pyxis means “the Mariner's Compass” in Latin. Its abbreviation is Pyx and the genitive, used in star names such as α Pyxidis, is Pyxidis.
