The Sextant
Sextans
Brightest star: Alpha Sextantis
Overview
Sextans is a faint equatorial constellation covering about 314 square degrees, located south of Leo and north of Hydra. Hevelius introduced it in 1687 to honor the astronomical sextant he used for measuring star positions. It was specifically dedicated to the memory of his great sextant that was destroyed in a fire at his observatory in 1679. The constellation's brightest star, Alpha Sextantis, shines at only magnitude 4.5, making Sextans one of the more difficult constellations to identify without dark skies. Despite its visual faintness, the constellation lies away from the Milky Way, providing clear views of distant galaxies. It is best observed during March and April.
Mythology
Sextans has no mythological background. Hevelius created it as a deeply personal tribute to the instrument that was central to his life's work. His great brass sextant, with a radius of nearly two meters, was one of the finest astronomical instruments of the pre-telescopic era. When fire destroyed his observatory, library, and instruments in September 1679, the loss of the sextant was devastating. By placing it among the stars, Hevelius ensured his beloved instrument would never perish again. The sextant itself evolved from the octant and became the standard navigational instrument for determining latitude at sea, used by sailors from the 18th century until the age of satellite navigation.
Astrological Significance
Sextans does not appear in traditional astrological systems. Symbolically, the Sextant represents measurement, precision, and the human determination to map both the physical and spiritual dimensions of existence. The sextant measures angles between celestial objects and the horizon, literally connecting heaven and earth. Those who resonate with Sextans energy may be natural bridge-builders between different worlds, whether practical and theoretical, spiritual and material, or personal and professional. The constellation also carries themes of resilience, as Hevelius continued his work despite catastrophic loss, rebuilding and continuing to chart the heavens.
Observing Tips
Sextans is best attempted during March and April from both hemispheres. Look for it in the empty region between Regulus in Leo and the long body of Hydra to the south. Dark skies are essential to see any of its stars. The Spindle Galaxy (NGC 3115) is the constellation's best deep-sky target, a beautiful edge-on lenticular galaxy visible in small telescopes as an elongated streak. It was one of the first galaxies found to contain a supermassive black hole. The Sextans Dwarf Spheroidal Galaxy is a satellite of the Milky Way but is too diffuse for amateur instruments. Several other faint galaxies reward patient observers with moderate telescopes.