What it looks like
Norma is a small southern constellation introduced by Lacaille in 1756, drawn as a set square or ruler. Its own stars are faint, but the constellation sits in one of the richest regions of the Milky Way, filled with open clusters, nebulae and dark dust lanes. It also contains the Norma Cluster, a massive galaxy cluster hidden behind the dust.
Brightest stars
Norma has no bright stars; its brightest, Gamma-2 Normae, sits near magnitude 4.
| Star | Magnitude | Distance | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gamma-2 Normae | +4.02 | 127 ly | — |
| Epsilon Normae | +4.46 | 400 ly | — |
| Zeta Normae | +4.74 | 460 ly | — |
| Delta Normae | +4.84 | 123 ly | — |
Mythology and history
Norma has no ancient mythology. It was created in 1756 by Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille and named after the carpenter's square used in navigation and drafting.
A tool of science
Norma was introduced by Lacaille during his expedition to the Cape of Good Hope in 1751–1752, and published in 1756. Along with fourteen other new southern constellations, it was named after an instrument of science or trade rather than a mythological figure — Lacaille's group includes Telescopium, Microscopium, Fornax, Caelum and others. The name Norma refers to a set square, the tool used by carpenters and navigators, and it reflects the Enlightenment's emphasis on reason and craft.
How to find it
Look between Scorpius and Centaurus on winter and spring evenings from the southern hemisphere, in a region dense with Milky Way stars.
- Find Scorpius's tail, then look east toward Centaurus.
- The region is packed with faint stars — use a chart to pick out the set square.
- Best from the southern hemisphere on winter and spring evenings.
Key facts
- Abbreviation
- Nor
- Genitive
- Normae
- Meaning
- The Square
- Brightest star
- Gamma-2 Normae
- Main stars
- 4
- Area rank
- 74th
- Best visible
- July
- Declination
- -50°
- Meteor showers
- Gamma Normids
- Neighbours
- Scorpius, Lupus, Circinus, Triangulum Australe, Ara
Deep-sky objects
Norma lies along the Milky Way and contains the Norma Cluster (Abell 3627), one of the most massive galaxy clusters known, hidden behind the dust of our own galaxy. The constellation also contains the Ant Nebula (Menzel 3), a striking bipolar planetary nebula, and the open cluster NGC 6067.
Frequently asked questions
What does the constellation Norma look like?
Norma is a small southern constellation representing a carpenter's square, lying in the dense star fields of the Milky Way between Scorpius and Centaurus.
What is the brightest star in Norma?
The brightest star in Norma is Gamma-2 Normae, shining at around magnitude 4.02.
When is Norma best visible?
Norma is best seen from southern hemisphere during July.
What is the story behind Norma?
Norma has no ancient mythology. It was created in 1756 by Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille and named after the carpenter's square used in navigation and drafting.
Which constellations are near Norma?
Norma borders Scorpius, Lupus, Circinus, Triangulum Australe and Ara.
Scorpius
Lupus