Pyxis constellation
Pyxis is one of the 88 constellations, and it represents the mariner's compass. It is highest in the sky at midnight around February 1, and its whole figure rises above the horizon from 55°N to 90°S.
Pyxis at a glance
- Represents
- the mariner's compass
- Highest at midnight
- February 1
- Highest at 9 pm
- March 18
- Seen whole from
- 55°N to 90°S
- Stars in the figure
- 3 stars
- Origin
- Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille, 1750s
When to see Pyxis
Pyxis is highest in the sky at midnight around February 1 and at 9 pm around March 18. Each month it is highest about two hours earlier than the month before.
The times are local solar time. Clocks on summer time or daylight saving time read about one hour later.
| Date | Highest at |
|---|---|
| January 15 | 1:10 AM |
| February 15 | 11:00 PM |
| March 15 | 9:10 PM |
| April 15 | 7:10 PM |
| May 15 | 5:10 PM |
| June 15 | 3:10 PM |
| July 15 | 1:10 PM |
| August 15 | 11:10 AM |
| September 15 | 9:10 AM |
| October 15 | 7:10 AM |
| November 15 | 5:10 AM |
| December 15 | 3:10 AM |
Where to look for Pyxis
From the northern hemisphere
From 40°N, Pyxis rises in the east and sets in the west. It is highest around midnight on February 1, 18° above the southern horizon.
From the southern hemisphere
From 35°S, Pyxis rises in the east and sets in the west. It is highest around midnight on February 1, almost overhead.
Brightest stars in Pyxis
None of the stars of Pyxis is brighter than magnitude 2.3, so it is best seen from a dark place away from city lights. Its brightest stick-figure stars are about magnitude 3.
Pyxis in myth and history
The French astronomer Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille added Pyxis in the 1750s, after he mapped the southern sky from the Cape of Good Hope.
Constellations next to Pyxis
Find Pyxis in your sky
Questions about Pyxis
Pyxis is highest in the sky at midnight around February 1 and at 9 pm around March 18. The weeks around those dates are the best time to look.
The whole figure of Pyxis rises above the horizon from 55°N to 90°S, and at least part of it rises from 62°N to 90°S.
Pyxis represents the mariner's compass. The French astronomer Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille added Pyxis in the 1750s, after he mapped the southern sky from the Cape of Good Hope.