Circinus Constellation Myths and Facts

Circinus: The Drawing Compass

Pronunciation: SER-sin-us
Circinus, The Drawing Compass
Circinus as first depicted by Nicolas Louis de La Caille.
Circinus Constellation Profile
Abbreviation: Cir Genitive: Circini
Origin: Lacaille Location: Southern Hemisphere
Best View (North): Best View (South):
Bordering Constellations: Apus, Triangulum Australe, Norma, Lupus, Centaurus, Musca

The Myth Behind the Constellation Circinus

Le Compas was the original French title of the constellation Circinus.  It was created by French astronomer Nicolas-Louis de La Caille in the eighteen century while mapping the stars of the southern hemisphere from Cape Town, South Africa.  It represents a dividing compass, an instrument used by navigators to measure distances.  La Caille Latinized its name on his 1763 planishere to what is now its official title.

Circinus Constellation Points of Interest

Interesting stars and objects.

Bright Stars in Circinus

There are no stars in Circinus with a magnitude of 3.0 or brighter.