Constellation · Nor
Norma
The Carpenter's Square
A small, faint constellation in the Milky Way beside Scorpius and Lupus.
Magnitude 4.01
Highest in the sky at 9 pm local time (summer in the northern hemisphere)
Latitudes where every part of it rises above the horizon at some time of year
The whole sky covers about 41,253 square degrees
Stars brighter than about magnitude 6, the naked-eye limit under dark skies
Can you see Norma from where you live?
This depends only on your latitude. Pick the row nearest to you; for your exact sky tonight, use the sky map.
| Latitude | Norma |
|---|---|
| 60°N | Never rises |
| 40°N | Only part of it ever clears the horizon |
| 20°N | The whole constellation rises and sets |
| the equator | The whole constellation rises and sets |
| 20°S | The whole constellation rises and sets |
| 40°S | The whole constellation rises and sets |
| 60°S | Visible all night, all year (it never sets) |
Questions about Norma
When is Norma best seen?
Norma stands highest in the sky at 9 pm local time in July. That makes summer evenings the best time for observers in the northern hemisphere; in the southern hemisphere the season is reversed.
What is the brightest star in Norma?
The brightest star in Norma is Gamma² Normae, magnitude 4.01.
Where on Earth can you see Norma?
The whole of Norma can be seen from latitudes between about 90°S and 30°N. From 40°N: Only part of it ever clears the horizon. From 35°S: The whole constellation rises and sets.
What does Norma mean?
Norma is Latin for "the Carpenter's Square". Introduced by Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille in the 1750s.