Octans Constellation Myths and Facts

Octans: The Octant

Pronunciation: OCK-tanz
Octans, The Octant
Octans as depicted by its creator, Nicolas Louis de La Caille.
Octans Constellation Profile
Abbreviation: Oct Genitive: Octantis
Origin: Lacaille Location: Southern Hemisphere
Best View (North): Best View (South):
Bordering Constellations: Chamaeleon, Mensa, Hydrus, Tucana, Indus, Pavo, Apus

The Myth Behind the Constellation Octans

In 1730 John Hadley invented the reflecting octant, and instrument used for navigation.  This invention was honored by Nicolas-Louis de La Caille with the publication of his 1756 planisphere of the southern stars.  The constellation was named l’Octans de Reflexion on that chart, but he changed it to Octans, its current name, for the planisphere’s second edition.

Octans Constellation Points of Interest

Interesting stars and objects.

Bright Stars in Octans

These are no stars in Octans with a magnitude of 3.0 or brighter.