the mariner’s compass · pronounced PIK-sis. Pyxis is an official IAU constellation representing the mariner’s compass. It occupies southern sky between Hydra and Puppis, where its outline is best understood as a guide to a formally bounded region rather than a physical group of nearby stars. Alpha Pyxidis and Beta Pyxidis provide practical anchors, while NGC 2818 gives observers a destination beyond the line figure. The stars only appear together from Earth: they lie at very different distances and move independently through the Galaxy. Its early-modern name reflects the European chart-making period in which southern or previously unfilled sky regions were formalised. Naked-eye recognition depends on latitude, season, darkness and moonlight. This guide therefore separates the official sky area, the traditional picture and the objects that can actually be observed.
About Pyxis
Pyxis is one of the 88 constellations recognized by the International Astronomical Union. Its standard three-letter abbreviation is Pyx, and astronomers use the genitive form Pyxidis when naming stars associated with it. The constellation's reference position lies around right ascension 8.8 hours and declination -24 degrees.
Its location places it in the southern sky. For a typical mid-latitude observer, this part of the celestial sphere is especially well placed during winter evenings. Exact visibility depends on latitude, local horizon, date and time.
History and mythology of Pyxis
Origin and naming
Pyxis entered the Western constellation record through Lacaille,1750s. Its name means the mariner’s compass; historical artwork varies and should not be confused with the IAU boundary adopted for positional astronomy.
From figure to official sky region
The IAU standardised constellation names in 1922, and Eugène Delporte published the modern boundaries in 1930. Every coordinate inside that polygon belongs to this constellation, including stars and galaxies unrelated to its traditional stick figure.
Cultural context
The familiar Western figure is one layer of sky history. Star traditions from other cultures may divide southern sky between Hydra and Puppis into smaller asterisms, lunar stations or navigational patterns, so apparent overlap is cross-referenced rather than treated as an identical constellation.
How to find Pyxis
- Choose an evening when southern sky between Hydra and Puppis is well placed and use a planisphere or sky app set to your location and time.
- Begin with the brightest anchor, Alpha Pyxidis, then verify the surrounding angles rather than relying on the artwork alone.
- Trace toward Beta Pyxidis; binoculars help separate the genuine stars from background Milky Way fields or light pollution.
- After confirming the pattern, centre NGC 2818. Start at low magnification and increase power only after the target is securely located.
Bright stars in Pyxis
Alpha Pyxidis
Notable star- Magnitude
- 3.7
- Distance
- 880 ly
Alpha Pyxidis is a characteristic stellar landmark used when tracing this constellation; its brightness, colour or multiplicity rewards comparison in binoculars or a telescope.
Beta Pyxidis
Notable star- Magnitude
- 3.9
- Distance
- 420 ly
Beta Pyxidis is a characteristic stellar landmark used when tracing this constellation; its brightness, colour or multiplicity rewards comparison in binoculars or a telescope.
Gamma Pyxidis
Notable star- Magnitude
- 4.0
- Distance
- 207 ly
Gamma Pyxidis is a characteristic stellar landmark used when tracing this constellation; its brightness, colour or multiplicity rewards comparison in binoculars or a telescope.
Deep-sky objects in Pyxis
NGC 2818
NGC 2818 is one of the most useful observing or imaging targets in this field. Its apparent size and surface brightness make dark skies and an appropriate field of view important.
NGC 2613
NGC 2613 is one of the most useful observing or imaging targets in this field. Its apparent size and surface brightness make dark skies and an appropriate field of view important.
Pyxis globular cluster
Pyxis globular cluster is one of the most useful observing or imaging targets in this field. Its apparent size and surface brightness make dark skies and an appropriate field of view important.
Interesting facts about Pyxis
- Pyxis's name means the mariner’s compass. Pyxis entered the Western constellation record through Lacaille,1750s.
- Alpha Pyxidis is listed at magnitude 3.7. Alpha Pyxidis is a characteristic stellar landmark used when tracing this constellation; its brightness, colour or multiplicity rewards comparison in binoculars or a telescope.
- NGC 2818 is a planetary nebula and cluster. NGC 2818 is one of the most useful observing or imaging targets in this field.
- The IAU standardised constellation names in 1922, and Eugène Delporte published the modern boundaries in 1930.