What it looks like
Pyxis is a small southern constellation introduced by Lacaille in 1756, drawn as a mariner's compass — an instrument of navigation placed in the sky beside the remains of the ancient ship Argo Navis. Its brightest star, Alpha Pyxidis, only reaches magnitude 3.7, and the constellation lies in a quiet region of the sky between Puppis and Antlia.
Brightest stars
Pyxis has no bright stars; its brightest, Alpha Pyxidis, sits near magnitude 3.7.
| Star | Magnitude | Distance | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alpha Pyxidis | +3.68 | 880 ly | — |
| Beta Pyxidis | +3.97 | 390 ly | — |
| Gamma Pyxidis | +4.03 | 207 ly | — |
| Delta Pyxidis | +4.87 | 250 ly | — |
Mythology and history
Pyxis has no ancient mythology. It was created by Lacaille in 1756 and named after the mariner's compass, a navigational instrument placed beside the remains of the ship Argo.
The compass of the Argo
Pyxis was introduced by Lacaille in 1756 as 'Pyxis Nautica' — the mariner's compass — one of several navigational and scientific instruments he placed in the southern sky. It sits beside Carina, Puppis and Vela, the three constellations carved from the ancient ship Argo Navis. The compass itself is a much later invention than the Argo of Greek myth, but its position beside the ship gives the constellation a natural symbolism: the tool of navigation placed next to the greatest voyage of antiquity.
How to find it
Look between Puppis and Antlia on spring evenings from the southern hemisphere — a faint pattern within the Milky Way's fringe.
- Find Canopus in Carina, then look east for Pyxis.
- No star brighter than magnitude 3.7 — use a chart.
- Best from the southern hemisphere on spring evenings.
Key facts
- Abbreviation
- Pyx
- Genitive
- Pyxidis
- Meaning
- The Compass Box
- Brightest star
- Alpha Pyxidis
- Main stars
- 3
- Area rank
- 65th
- Best visible
- March
- Declination
- -30°
- Meteor showers
- —
- Neighbours
- Hydra, Antlia, Vela, Puppis
Deep-sky objects
Pyxis contains the faint globular cluster NGC 2627 and the planetary nebula NGC 2818, which lies in a rich Milky Way field. The constellation also contains the spiral galaxy NGC 2613, visible in moderate telescopes.
Frequently asked questions
What does the constellation Pyxis look like?
Pyxis is a small southern constellation known as the Compass Box, introduced by Lacaille in 1756 and lying beside Puppis and Vela in the region of the old ship Argo Navis.
What is the brightest star in Pyxis?
The brightest star in Pyxis is Alpha Pyxidis, shining at around magnitude 3.68.
When is Pyxis best visible?
Pyxis is best seen from southern hemisphere during March.
What is the story behind Pyxis?
Pyxis has no ancient mythology. It was created by Lacaille in 1756 and named after the mariner's compass, a navigational instrument placed beside the remains of the ship Argo.
Which constellations are near Pyxis?
Pyxis borders Hydra, Antlia, Vela and Puppis.
Puppis
Vela