Antlia

Antlia is a faint constellation in the southern sky representing an air pump. It contains no stars brighter than magnitude 4.25 and has few notable deep-sky objects. The Antlia Dwarf Galaxy, a nearby dwarf spheroidal galaxy, lies within its borders.

Location in the Sky

When to Observe

Antlia is best observed during April. It is located in the SQ2 quadrant and is primarily visible from the southern hemisphere. The constellation contains 3 main stars forming its asterism, with 9 Bayer/Flamsteed designated stars in total. Its brightest star is Alpha Antliae.

Mythology & History

Antlia has no classical mythology as it was created by Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille in the 18th century. It was originally named Antlia Pneumatica, representing the air pump invented by Robert Boyle. Lacaille introduced many constellations representing scientific instruments of the Enlightenment.