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> Constellations Antlia, Pyxis and Vela

Constellations Antlia, Pyxis and Vela

author: A.Fujii/David Malin Images/Novapix

reference: a-cst07-00004

Image Size 300 DPI: 50 * 40 cm

Antlia (originally Antlia Pneumatica, the Air Pump) is an unremarkable constellation invented by the Abbé Nicolas de Lacaille in the 1750s. It is hemmed in by the meandering body of Hydra to the north and the sparkling constellations of the Milky Way to the south. It contains a fine planetary nebula, NGC 3132 and a beautiful spiral galaxy, NGC 2997. Pyxis (Pyxis Nautica, the Mariner's Compass) is the least interesting fragment of the great vessel Argo Navis, dismantled by Lacaille. The other parts are Puppis (the stern), Carina, (the keel) and Vela. Vela (the sails) is best known for the supernova remnant seen on large telescope pictures and the Gum nebula, visible as faint red nebulosity towards the right (west) of the constellation. Best seen in the early evening in March-April. Other constellations in the image: Carina, Centaurus, Corvus, Crater, Hydra, Puppis.

Keywords for this photo:

ANTLIA - ASTRONOMY - CONSTELLATION - LINE - MAP - POSTER - PYXIS - SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE - STAR - VELA -