Pictor (The Painter's Easel)

Small southern constellation of the painter's easel, home of the famous debris-disc star Beta Pictoris.

Core Principles & Analysis

• Lacaille created it around 1752 as the easel, one of his 14 instrument constellations.
• Beta Pictoris is the archetype of stars ringed by debris discs, with planets confirmed in orbit of it.
• Kapteyn's Star, about 13 light-years away, is the nearest known star of the galactic halo.

Specifications & Metrics

• BRIGHTEST STAR: β Pictoris
• HEMISPHERE: Southern
• BEST VIEWED: January