Constellation · Sex
Sextans
The Sextant
A faint equatorial constellation south of Leo, named for the astronomical instrument.
Magnitude 4.48
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 Sextans 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 | Sextans |
|---|---|
| 60°N | The whole constellation rises and sets |
| 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 Sextans
When is Sextans best seen?
Sextans stands highest in the sky at 9 pm local time in April. 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 Sextans?
The brightest star in Sextans is Alpha Sextantis, magnitude 4.48.
Where on Earth can you see Sextans?
The whole of Sextans can be seen from latitudes between about 84°S and 78°N. From 40°N: The whole constellation rises and sets. From 35°S: The whole constellation rises and sets.
What does Sextans mean?
Sextans is Latin for "the Sextant". Introduced by Johannes Hevelius in the late 1600s.