Discover the Wonders of Constellation Pyxis
Introduction
Pyxis, a small and faint constellation in the southern hemisphere, holds a special place in astronomy. Despite its size, it contains fascinating objects that captivate the imagination of stargazers.
Stars and Mythology
The brightest star in Pyxis is Alpha Pyxidis, also known as α Pyx, a binary star system located approximately 880 light-years away. Another notable star is Beta Pyxidis (β Pyx), a yellow-white dwarf star located about 440 light-years away. These stars, along with several fainter stars, form the shape of a small compass.
Unlike many other constellations, Pyxis does not have significant mythological connections. Its origins are purely astronomical, originally named “Pyxis Nautica” or the “Mariner’s Compass,” representing a compass used for navigation. The Latin name Pyxis means “mariner’s compass” as well.
Deep-Sky Objects
Pyxis contains a few notable deep-sky objects, especially for observers with powerful telescopes. One such object is NGC 2610, a spiral galaxy located around 50 million light-years away. It has a magnitude of 10.3 and showcases beautiful spiral arms when observed through larger telescopes.
Another fascinating deep-sky object in Pyxis is the Pyxis Ring, also known as Argo Navis Ring. It is a small planetary nebula located approximately 3300 light-years away. Discovered in 2004, the Pyxis Ring showcases a bright central star surrounded by a ring-shaped nebula, making it a stunning visual spectacle for astronomers.
