Sextans
The sextant. Genitive Sextantis, abbreviated Sex. Introduced by Hevelius.
Area
313.42 sq°
47 of 88 by size
Brightest star
α Sextantis
magnitude 4.49
Best seen
February
on the meridian at midnight
Visible from
Everywhere on Earth
some part above the horizon
Where it is
Principal stars
Sextans has no star brighter than magnitude 4, so its five brightest are listed instead.
| Star | Magnitude | HR |
|---|---|---|
| α Sextantis | 4.49 | 3981 |
| γ Sextantis | 5.05 | 3909 |
| β Sextantis | 5.09 | 4119 |
| δ Sextantis | 5.21 | 4116 |
| ε Sextantis | 5.24 | 4042 |
Deep sky
Objects with a Messier number or a name people use.
| Object | Catalogue | Type | Magnitude | Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spindle galaxy | NGC 3115 | Galaxy | 9.2 | 8.3 |
- Magnitude: — where NGC 2000 gives none.
- Size: the largest dimension, in arcminutes.
My Sky
Rise, highest and set over your place, for any night: Sextans
Further info
Sources
Principal stars: Bright Star Catalogue
Deep sky: NGC 2000.0
Area and borders: IAU constellation boundaries
