Constellation · Oct
Octans
The Octant
Contains the south celestial pole, but its pole star, Sigma Octantis, is very faint (about magnitude 5.4).
Magnitude 3.73
Highest in the sky at 9 pm local time (autumn 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
Named stars in Octans
Brightest first. A lower magnitude means a brighter star.
- Polaris Australis (Sigma Octantis)mag 5.45
Can you see Octans 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 | Octans |
|---|---|
| 60°N | Never rises |
| 40°N | Never rises |
| 20°N | Never rises |
| the equator | The whole constellation rises and sets |
| 20°S | Visible all night, all year (it never sets) |
| 40°S | Visible all night, all year (it never sets) |
| 60°S | Visible all night, all year (it never sets) |
Questions about Octans
When is Octans best seen?
Octans stands highest in the sky at 9 pm local time in September. That makes autumn evenings the best time for observers in the northern hemisphere; in the southern hemisphere the season is reversed.
What is the brightest star in Octans?
The brightest star in Octans is Nu Octantis, magnitude 3.73.
Where on Earth can you see Octans?
The whole of Octans can be seen from latitudes between about 90°S and 5°N. From 40°N: Never rises. From 35°S: Visible all night, all year (it never sets).
What does Octans mean?
Octans is Latin for "the Octant". Introduced by Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille in the 1750s.