Sculptor

Sculptor is a faint southern constellation containing the Sculptor Galaxy (NGC 253), one of the brightest galaxies beyond the Local Group. The south galactic pole lies within Sculptor. The Sculptor Dwarf Galaxy, a Milky Way satellite, is also located here.

Location in the Sky

When to Observe

Sculptor is best observed during November. It is located in the SQ1 quadrant and is primarily visible from the southern hemisphere. The constellation contains 4 main stars forming its asterism, with 12 Bayer/Flamsteed designated stars in total. Its brightest star is Alpha Sculptoris.

Mythology & History

Sculptor was introduced by Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille in the 1750s, originally as Apparatus Sculptoris (the Sculptor's Workshop). It has no mythological associations and occupies a region far from the Milky Way, making it a window to deep space.