Constellations Gallery

Octans

Octans Constellation Octans Constellation with constellation lines

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Octans (Latin for octant) is an inconspicuous constellation introduced by Nicolas Louis de Lacaille. It is notable mainly as the location of the south celestial pole. Its star Sigma Octantis is the closest naked-eye star to the pole, but it is so faint that it is practically useless as a polar star for navigation purposes.

Camera Canon 10D
Exposure 6 Minutes with filter
Date April 2005
Guiding Telescope Piggyback
Location Kaituna, Masterton, New Zealand