© Regina McCombs
The Southern Hemisphere Constellations
of Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille
© Mvelinqangi
|
© Regina McCombs
|
The Southern Hemisphere Constellations
|
© Mvelinqangi |
| In 1763, French astronomer Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille introduced fourteen new constellations. |
In 1750, French astronomer Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille set up a small observatory
at the southern tip of Africa, the Cape of Good Hope. Here, within four years, he observed 9,766 stars.
 De Lacaille returned to France in 1754 and presented a map, containing 14 new southern constellations to the French Royal Academy of Sciences. An engraved planisphere was published by the Academy in 1756. It presented the new constellations with their original French names. De Lacaille died in 1762 and the final, revised version of his star catalogue, with the new constellations being presented with Latin names was published in 1763. It was called Coelum Australe Stelliferum. One of de Lacaille's constellations was named after the Table Mount where he conducted his observations. The other thirteen were named after scientific instruments and artist's tools, symbolizing the Age of Enlightenment. |
Nicolas-Louis de LacailleWikipedia |
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De Lacaille's constellations received a quick and wide acceptance by other astronomers and in 1922, all fourteen were accepted by the IAU as part of the 88 official constellations. Source: Ian Ridpath Click on the icons to get to a detailed description of each constellation. |
Antlia Air Pump |
Caelum Chisel |
Circinus Draftsman's Compass |
Fornax Furnace |
Horologium Pendulum Clock |
Mensa Table Mount |
Microscopium Microscope |
Norma Set Square |
Octans Octant |
Pictor
Easel |
Pyxis Mariner's Compass |
Reticulum Eyepiece Graticule |
Sculptor Sculptor |
Telescopium Telescope |
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