Constellation · Pyx
Pyxis
The Mariner's Compass
A small, faint constellation next to Puppis and Vela that was once part of Argo Navis.
Magnitude 3.68
Highest in the sky at 9 pm local time (spring 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 Pyxis 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 | Pyxis |
|---|---|
| 60°N | Only part of it ever clears the horizon |
| 40°N | The whole constellation rises and sets |
| 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 | The whole constellation rises and sets |
Questions about Pyxis
When is Pyxis best seen?
Pyxis stands highest in the sky at 9 pm local time in March. That makes spring evenings the best time for observers in the northern hemisphere; in the southern hemisphere the season is reversed.
What is the brightest star in Pyxis?
The brightest star in Pyxis is Alpha Pyxidis, magnitude 3.68.
Where on Earth can you see Pyxis?
The whole of Pyxis can be seen from latitudes between about 90°S and 53°N. From 40°N: The whole constellation rises and sets. From 35°S: The whole constellation rises and sets.
What does Pyxis mean?
Pyxis is Latin for "the Mariner's Compass". Introduced by Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille in the 1750s.