Circinus, the Compasses (Cir)
(SIR-sin-us)
The constellation of Circinus, the Compasses, is best viewed in Summer during the month of June. It's brightest star is Alpha Circini at magnitude 3.19. The boundary of the Circinus constellation contains 3 stars that host known exoplanets.
- Pronunciation:
- SIR-sin-us
- Meaning:
- Compasses
- Genitive:
- Circini
- Abbreviation:
- Cir
- Constellation Family:
- LaCaille
- Hemisphere:
- Southern
- Quadrant:
- SQ3
- Best viewing month*:
- June
- Right Ascension (avg):
- 14h 32m
- Declination (avg):
- -67° 18'
- Brightest star:
- Alpha Circini (3.19)
- Stars with planets:
- 3
- X-ray stars:
- 4 (2 binaries) stars
Galaxies in Circinus
The most notable, famous, and easy-to-find galaxies in the constellation Circinus :
Neutron Stars in Circinus
These are the most well-known neutron stars in the constellation Circinus. Although neutron stars cannot be seen in any amateur telescope, they are at the center of many supernova remnant nebulae, which can be seen.
* For southern latitudes, flip the season listed. For example, if a constellation is listed as best viewed in the summer in the month of July, in the southern hemisphere the constellation would be best viewed in the winter in January and would be upside-down.
** Circumpolar constellations are visible year-round in the hemisphere listed (and not at all in the opposite).