Norma

Norma is a small, faint constellation in the southern Milky Way between Lupus and Ara. It lies in a rich Milky Way region and contains several open clusters and the planetary nebula Shapley 1. The Norma Cluster (Abell 3627), a massive galaxy cluster, lies in this direction.

Location in the Sky

When to Observe

Norma is best observed during July. It is located in the SQ3 quadrant and is primarily visible from the southern hemisphere. The constellation contains 4 main stars forming its asterism, with 13 Bayer/Flamsteed designated stars in total. Its brightest star is Gamma2 Normae.

Mythology & History

Norma was introduced by Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille in the 1750s as l'Equerre et la Regle (the Set Square and Ruler). The constellation has no mythological background. Its brightest stars were originally part of Ara and Lupus before Lacaille reorganized this region.