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Norma (constellation)

Norma

AbbreviationNor
GenitiveNormae
Meaning in Englishthe Level
Right ascension16.05h
Declination-52.01°
Visible to latitudeBetween 30° and -90°
On meridian9 p.m., July 5
Area
 - Total
Ranked 74th
165 sq. deg.
Number of stars with
apparent magnitude < 3
0
Brightest star
 - Apparent magnitude
γ2 Nor
4,0
Meteor showersGamma Normids
Bordering constellations

Norma (the Level) is a small and inconspicuous constellation of the southern hemisphere, near Scorpius, on the Milky Way.

Table of contents
1 Notable features
2 Notable deep-sky objects
3 History

Notable features

Norma has no α or β star; its brightest star, γ2 Normae, is only of fourth magnitude.

Notable deep-sky objects

Due to its location on the Milky Way, this constellation contains many deep sky objects. The brightest of the open clusters in the constellation is NGC 6087, in the northwestern corner.

History

This constellation was named by Nicolas Louis de Lacaille during his stay at the Cape of Good Hope from 1751 to 1752. He originally called it Norma et Regula (the level and the square), referring to the carpenter's tools. The constellation had previously been called the Southern Triangle (no relation to Triangulum Australe) and Quadrans Euclidis (Euclid's square).