Sextans constellation
Sextans (the Sextant) is a constellation on the celestial equator, best seen in the evening in April. Its brightest star is α Sextantis (magnitude 4.49). Sextans covers 314 square degrees and is the 47th-largest of the 88 constellations.
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Detailed star map of Sextans
Facts
| Latin name | Sextans (genitive: Sextantis) |
|---|---|
| Abbreviation | Sex |
| Meaning | the Sextant |
| Area | 314 square degrees (47th of 88) |
| Location | right ascension 10.3 h, declination −3° |
| Visible from | latitudes 78° N to 84° S (whole constellation) |
| Best month | April (at about 9 pm) |
| Brightest star | α Sextantis |
| Stars brighter than magnitude 6 | 17 |
| Named stars (IAU) | none |
| Messier objects | none |
| Neighbors | Crater, Hydra, Leo |
How to find Sextans
From 40° N (the USA, southern Europe, Japan) look south in April evenings: at about 9 pm Sextans stands highest, around 47° above the southern horizon. From 35° S (Australia, South Africa, Argentina) it is highest in the north, about 58° above the horizon. The months before and after (March and May) are also good: then it is up a couple of hours earlier or later.
Sextans borders Crater, Hydra and Leo.
Stars of Sextans
Sextans has 17 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 Sextantis | 4.49 | A0III | — |
Printable Sextans map and outline
A black and white version for printing and a plain outline of the Sextans figure, useful for school projects, worksheets and learning to recognize the shape.
History
Sextans is introduced by the Polish astronomer Johannes Hevelius in 1690. Its official boundary was drawn by Eugène Delporte for the International Astronomical Union in 1930.
Questions about Sextans
What is the brightest star in Sextans?
α Sextantis, at magnitude 4.49.
When can you see Sextans?
Sextans is best seen in the evening in April. The whole constellation is visible from latitudes between 78° N and 84° S.
How many stars are in Sextans?
17 stars in Sextans 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 Sextans mean?
Sextans means “the Sextant” in Latin. Its abbreviation is Sex and the genitive, used in star names such as α Sextantis, is Sextantis.
