Sextans – The Sextant

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

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

Symbolism: Sextans is also known as ‘The Sextan’

History & Mythology

Sextans is a middle of the road constellation in size and distinction, sitting on the celestial equator. Devised in 1687 by Polish astronomer Johannes Hevelius, the constellation represents a Sextant which is an instrument used on board ships for positioning. The stars in Sextans are dim, with Deep-Sky Objects best viewed through a large telescope.

Key Data

Bordering Constellations: Sextans is bordered by constellations Crater, Leo & Hydra.

Sky Chart #: 5.

Star Raking: 47th largest constellation in the celestial sphere. 

Main Stars: Sextans consists of 3 main stars.

Brightest Star: Alpha Sextantis.

Kids Fun Facts Corner

# 1. Sextans has 5 stars with planets.

# 2. Sextans has 1 Deep-Sky object called NGC 3115.

# 3. Alpha Sextantis is the brightest star in Sextans.

Q&A Corner

Q. What is Sextans also known as?

Q. How many main stars does Sextans have?

Q. What is the brightest star in Sextans?

Q. How many stars have planets in Sextans?

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

Download questions about the Sextans Constellation here: Sextans 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 Sextans Constellation visit www.constellation-guide.com/Sextans