Circinus, the Compasses (Cir)
(SIR-sin-us)
The Southern 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
- Messier catalog objects:
- |
Brightest Stars in Circinus
The 10 brightest stars in the constellation Circinus by magnitude.
- Star
- Magnitude
- Spectral class
- Alpha Circini (α Cir)
- 3.18
- F1Vp
- Beta Circini (β Cir)
- 4.07
- A3Va
- Gamma Circini (γ Cir)
- 4.48
- B5III + F8
- Epsilon Circini (ε Cir)
- 4.85
- K2.5III
- Delta Circini (δ Cir)
- 5.04
- O8.5V
- Theta Circini (θ Cir)
- 5.08
- B4Vnp
- Eta Circini (η Cir)
- 5.16
- G8III
- HD 131342
- 5.18
- K1III
- HD 129422
- 5.36
- A7Vn
- HD 135591
- 5.43
- O7Iab
Galaxies in Circinus
The most notable, famous, and easy-to-find galaxies in the constellation Circinus . Also see all galaxies.
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. Also see all neutron stars.
* Constellation shown for northen hemisphere skies. For the southern hemisphere, constellations appear rotated 180 degrees (upside-down and left-right reversed) from what is shown. Remember that seasons are reversed too - summer in northern latitudes is winter in southern latitudes.
** Circumpolar constellations are visible year-round in the hemisphere listed (and not at all in the opposite hemisphere).