International Star Registry

All Constellations

Octans - Octant


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.
SymbolOct
Right Ascension 09:46
Declination-83
Diameter (°)13
Area (square °)291
Opposition Aug 17
Size Rank 50th
Brightness Rank 72nd
GenitiveOctantis