The Pyxis constellation
Pyx · Catalogue stars: 8
Why this name?
Pyxis honours the magnetic mariner’s compass. The Latin word means a small box: the full old name referred to a compass box.
A little history
Lacaille introduced the constellation in the eighteenth century beside the parts of the former Argo Navis. It was a separate addition, although its nautical theme fits its neighbours.
Data
- IAU code
- Pyx
- Catalogue stars
- 8
- Messier objects
- 0
- Brightest star
- HIP 42828 · 3.7ᵐ
Stars (HIP)
- HIP 42828 · 3.7ᵐ · B1.5III
- HIP 42515 · 4.0ᵐ · G5II/III
- HIP 43409 · 4.0ᵐ · K3III
- HIP 44824 · 4.6ᵐ · K4/K5III
- HIP 45902 · 4.7ᵐ · M0III
- HIP 46026 · 4.7ᵐ · G8III
- HIP 42483 · 4.9ᵐ · G5III
- HIP 43825 · 4.9ᵐ · A3IV
Altitude above the horizon by latitude
| Latitude | Maximum altitude | Rise azimuth |
|---|---|---|
| +60° | never rises | — |
| +55° | 4° | 153° |
| +45° | 14° | 136° |
| +30° | 29° | 126° |
| 0° | 59° | 121° |
| −35° | 86° | 128° |
Geometric altitude at upper culmination, atmospheric refraction not included. Positive latitudes are in the northern hemisphere.
Culmination time by month
| Month | Culmination |
|---|---|
| January | 01:12 |
| February | 23:05 |
| March | 21:20 |
| April | 19:26 |
| May | 17:32 |
| June | 15:26 |
| July | 13:22 |
| August | 11:21 |
| September | 09:28 |
| October | 07:39 |
| November | 05:38 |
| December | 03:30 |
Upper culmination in local solar time — no time-zone or daylight-saving correction applied.
Neighbouring constellations
In brief
Which is the brightest star in Pyxis?
HIP 42828 — 3.7ᵐ.