It was originally published by Lacaille in 1752 in recognition of the octant which had been invented by John Hadley in 1730. Long before, however, it has been mentioned by Ovid, Virgil, and Pliny, who probably knew it as Dramasa.
The Arabs thought it had healing powers for the sick who gazed upon it. Such was astrology in the year 1000 B.C.
Octans includes the south celestial pole.
|
| Symbol | Oct |
| Right Ascension |
09:46
|
| Declination | -83 |
| Diameter (°) | 13 |
| Area (square °) | 291 |
| Opposition |
Aug 17
|
| Size Rank |
50th
|
| Brightness Rank |
72nd
|
| Genitive | Octantis |
|