Sextans (The Sextant)

Small equatorial constellation commemorating an astronomer's loss.

Core Principles & Analysis

• Hevelius created it in 1687 for the sextant, after a fire destroyed his beloved measuring instruments.
• It lies between Leo and Hydra, in a region with no stars brighter than the fifth magnitude.
• Its galaxy fields include several dwarf galaxies near the Local Group.

Specifications & Metrics

• BRIGHTEST STAR: α Sextantis
• HEMISPHERE: Equatorial
• BEST VIEWED: March