Circinus, the Compasses (Cir)

The constellation of Circinus, the Compasses, is best viewed in the Summer season during the month of June for mid-northern latitudes. It's brightest star is Alpha Circini at magnitude 3.19. The boundary of the Circinus constellation contains 3 stars that host known exoplanets.

The naked eye can generally see up to magnitude 6 (magnitude 8 with perfect eyes under ideal super dark-sky conditions).

1. Meaning:
2. Compasses

1. Genitive:
2. Circini

1. Abbreviation:
2. Cir

1. Constellation Family:
2. LaCaille

1. Best Viewing Month*:
2. June

1. Circumpolar** (N=northern, S=southern):
2. S

1. Right Ascension (avg):
2. 14h 32m

1. Declination (avg):
2. -67° 18'

1. Brightest Star:
2. Alpha Circini (3.19m)

1. Exoplanet Host Stars:
2. 3

1. Triple Stars:
2. 3

1. Caldwell objects:
2. C88,

1. X-ray Stars:
2. 2 binaries stars

1. Pulsars:
2. 2

* 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.

Find your inner astronomer. Your complete guide to amateur astronomy.