Star lore
Pyxis
Direct answer
Pyxis is a faint southern constellation representing a mariner's compass near Puppis, Vela, and Hydra.
Pyxis is the Mariner's Compass, a small constellation beside the former Argo Navis.
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At a glance
- Found in
- Constellations & Star Lore
- Related
- Piscis Austrinus, Puppis, Reticulum, Sagitta
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The story behind Pyxis
Lacaille introduced Pyxis in the eighteenth century; it was not formally one of Argo Navis's ancient parts.
A one-minute story
The Road of the Sun
Where the twelve signs came from, and why they carry the names they do.
Why Pyxis matters
Pyxis’s instrument name complements the nearby celestial ship while preserving Lacaille's interest in scientific and navigational tools.
Pyxis in practice: an example
Alpha Pyxidis is the brightest point in the small compass pattern.
Where readings of Pyxis go wrong
Pyxis depicts a magnetic compass, not the geometric drawing compasses represented by Circinus.
Sources and editorial method
Research references used for this entry include:
- International Astronomical Union: The Constellations - Official names, abbreviations, and boundaries for the 88 modern constellations.
- NASA Space Place: What Are Constellations? - NASA introduction to constellation regions, patterns, visibility, and seasonal sky changes.
- Source
- The Great Almanac Dictionary
- Category
- Constellations & Star Lore
- Last updated
- 2026-09-26
Set the compass beside Argo's stern
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Common questions
What is Pyxis?
Pyxis is a faint southern constellation representing a mariner's compass near Puppis, Vela, and Hydra.
What do people get wrong about Pyxis?
Pyxis depicts a magnetic compass, not the geometric drawing compasses represented by Circinus.
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