Horologium

Horologium is a faint southern constellation representing a pendulum clock. It contains no bright stars, with its brightest being only magnitude 3.9. The constellation is part of the Horologium-Reticulum Supercluster, one of the largest structures in the nearby universe.

Location in the Sky

When to Observe

Horologium is best observed during December. It is located in the SQ1 quadrant and is primarily visible from the southern hemisphere. The constellation contains 6 main stars forming its asterism, with 6 Bayer/Flamsteed designated stars in total. Its brightest star is Alpha Horologii.

Mythology & History

Horologium was introduced by Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille in the 1750s, originally as Horologium Oscillatorium in honor of Christiaan Huygens's invention of the pendulum clock. Like other Lacaille constellations, it represents a scientific instrument and has no mythological background.