If you’ve found yourself gazing up at the night sky and wondering about the lesser-known constellations, Pyxis might have caught your interest. Known as the "compass constellation," Pyxis has a fascinating history, intriguing mythology, and unique features that make it worth exploring. Whether you’re an amateur stargazer or someone intrigued by the stories behind the stars, this guide shares everything you need to know about Pyxis.
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What is the Pyxis Constellation?
Pyxis is a small constellation located in the southern hemisphere, symbolising the mariner’s compass. Its name comes from the Latin word Pyxis Nautica, meaning "nautical compass," a nod to its association with navigation. Pyxis was introduced in the 18th century by French astronomer Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille, who charted the southern skies, making it a relatively modern constellation.
What Does Pyxis Look Like?
Pyxis is not a particularly bright constellation and can be tricky to spot without a guide. Its stars form an elongated shape, resembling the needle of a compass. The brightest star in the constellation, Alpha Pyxidis, shines with a magnitude of 3.68, making it visible under clear skies. Pyxis lies near the Milky Way, so its backdrop is often scattered with faint stars.
How Far is the Pyxis Constellation from Earth?
The stars within Pyxis are at varying distances. For example, Alpha Pyxidis, the brightest star, is approximately 850 light-years away from Earth. Other stars in the constellation range from hundreds to thousands of light-years distant, making Pyxis a relatively remote constellation compared to some of its neighbours.
The Pyxis Constellation Myth
Unlike many constellations rooted in ancient mythology, Pyxis doesn’t have a dedicated legend. However, it is linked to the larger constellation Argo Navis, which represented the ship of Jason and the Argonauts in Greek mythology. Pyxis is thought to symbolise the ship’s compass, guiding the Argonauts on their quest for the Golden Fleece. Although this connection is a modern interpretation, it adds a layer of intrigue to the constellation.
Pyxis' Stars
Pyxis contains several notable stars, though they are relatively faint compared to those in larger constellations.
- Alpha Pyxidis: The brightest star in Pyxis, a blue giant located 850 light-years away.
- Beta Pyxidis: A yellow giant star with an apparent magnitude of 4.87.
- Gamma Pyxidis: A binary star system about 207 light-years away.
Nebulae in the Pyxis Constellation
Pyxis may not host many famous nebulae, but it does contain interesting deep-sky objects. One standout feature is NGC 2613, a spiral galaxy located around 60 million light-years from Earth. This galaxy can be observed with a medium-sized telescope and is a rewarding target for amateur astronomers.
Another notable object is the Pyxis Globular Cluster, an ancient and dense collection of stars thought to be one of the oldest in the universe. This cluster offers valuable insights into the early stages of cosmic development.
Finding Pyxis in the Sky
Pyxis is most visible from the southern hemisphere during the late summer and autumn months, with peak visibility from February to May. During this period, the constellation reaches its highest point in the night sky, making it easier to spot under clear conditions.
Locating Pyxis
To locate Pyxis, it helps to be familiar with its neighbouring constellations:
- Look for Antlia: Pyxis is also adjacent to Antlia, the air pump constellation, which can serve as another useful marker.
- Spot Pyxis' Shape: Once in the correct area, look for Pyxis’ elongated form, which resembles a compass needle. While its stars are faint, a keen eye or equipment can make the task easier.
Viewing Pyxis with Binoculars or a Telescope
- Using binoculars: Binoculars can help enhance the visibility of Pyxis, especially in light-polluted areas, by bringing out its faint stars against the Milky Way backdrop.
- Using a telescope: A telescope provides a closer view of Pyxis, revealing its brighter stars like Alpha Pyxidis and nearby deep-sky objects such as NGC 2613, a spiral galaxy.
Best Viewing Conditions
For the best view of Pyxis, head to a dark location away from artificial lights on a clear, moonless night. Its proximity to the Milky Way makes it a rich area for stargazing, with many faint stars and celestial objects to explore. Using a star chart or an astronomy app can help you navigate the area more easily and appreciate the subtle beauty of Pyxis.
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- Pyxis covers 221 square degrees, ranking as the 65th largest constellation.
- It was part of the larger constellation Argo Navis before being divided into smaller constellations.
- The constellation’s name reflects the Age of Enlightenment’s focus on navigation and exploration.
- Pyxis lies close to the galactic plane, making it a treasure trove for deep-sky observations.
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