Pictor – The Painter’s Easel

Pictor is one of the 88 constellations within the celestial sphere.

Pictor is one of the 29 constellations that represents an object.

Symbolism: Pictor is also known as ‘The Painter’s Easel’

History & Mythology

One of the 14 constellations introduced by French astronomer Nicolas Louis De Lacaille in the 1750’s, the constellation represents a painters easel although it doesn’t resemble the object in any way. Pictor is quite unremarkable as a constellation containing only faint stars. Pictor sits between the constellation of Carina & the Large Magellanic Cloud in the constellation of Dorado.

Key Data

Bordering Constellations: Pictor is bordered by constellations Volans, Caelum, Puppis, Carina, Dorado & Columba.

Sky Chart #: 2.

Star Raking: 59th largest constellation in the celestial sphere. 

Main Stars: Pictor consists of 3 main stars.

Brightest Star: Alpha Pictoris.

Kids Fun Facts Corner

# 1. Pictor has 6 stars with planets.

# 2. Pictor has 2 Deep-Sky Objects. NGC 1705 & Pictor A.

# 3. Alpha Pictoris in the brightest star in Pictor.

Q&A Corner

Q. What is Pictor also known as?

Q. How many main stars does Pictor have?

Q. What is the brightest star in Pictor?

Q. How many stars have planets in Pictor? 

Q. What number star ranking is Pictor in the celestial sphere?

Download questions about the Pictor Constellation here: Pictor Constellation (answers are on this page)

Teachers. For more in depth work sheets on constellations. Click on Kidskonnect Worksheets  

For further reading and more information on the Pictor Constellation visit www.constellation-guide.com/Pictor