| Constellation | |
List of stars in Pyxis |
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| Abbreviation | Pyx |
|---|---|
| Genitive | Pyxidis |
| Pronunciation | /ˈpɪksɨs/, genitive /ˈpɪksɨdɨs/ |
| Symbolism | the compass box |
| Right ascension | 9 h |
| Declination | −30° |
| Quadrant | SQ2 |
| Area | 221 sq. deg. (65th) |
| Main stars | 3 |
| Bayer/Flamsteed stars |
10 |
| Stars with planets | 3 |
| Stars brighter than 3.00m | 0 |
| Stars within 10.00 pc (32.62 ly) | 1 |
| Brightest star | α Pyx (3.68m) |
| Nearest star | Gliese 318 (30.13 ly, 9.24 pc) |
| Messier objects | None |
| Meteor showers | None |
| Bordering constellations |
Hydra Puppis Vela Antlia |
| Visible at latitudes between +50° and −90°. Best visible at 21:00 (9 p.m.) during the month of March. |
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Pyxis ( /ˈpɪksɨs/; Greek: box) is a small and faint constellation in the southern sky. Its name is Latin for a mariner's compass (it should not be confused with Circinus, which represents a draftsman's compasses). Pyxis is completely visible from latitudes south of 53 degrees north, with its best evening-sky visibility in January through March.
Pyxis was introduced by Nicolas Louis de Lacaille in the 18th century; he called it Pyxis Nautica, but the name was shortened. The constellation is located close to those forming the old constellation of Argo Navis (the ship Argo), and in the 19th century astronomer John Herschel suggested renaming Pyxis to 'Malus, the mast', but the suggestion was not followed.
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