Allerlei - Modern Constellations: Antlia to Coma Berenices

Antlia

Antlia, the Air Pump, was published in 1754 by LaCaille. The pump was used during scientific experiments on gases.

Argo

Argo, the Ship, was separated into three sections: Carina-the Keel, Puppis-the Stern, and Vela-the Sail by LaCaille. De Vaugondy first illustrated the three divisions in 1764. Depictions of the Argo often show clouds obscuring the bow section.

Camelopardalis

Camelopardalis, the Giraffe, was invented by Plancius in 1612.

Chamaeleon

Chamaeleon, the Chameleon, was published in 1598 from the work of Plancius and Keyser. It honors the brightly colored reptile that 16th century explorers encountered.

Columba

Columba, the Dove, was published by Plancius in 1592. It represents the dove that Noah released during the Flood.

Apus

Apus, the Bird of Paradise, was created by Plancius and Keyser. It was published in 1598 and honors a bird found by explorers on some Pacific Ocean islands.

Caelum

Caelum, the Burin, was published by LaCaille in 1754. The illustration shows two crossed burins (engravers). They were used to engrave metal plates for printing.

Canes Venatici

Canes Venatici,the Hunting Dogs, was published by Hevelius in 1690. They are sometimes said to be the hunting dogs of Boötes.

Circinus

Circinus, the Pair of Compasses, was published in 1754 by LaCaille. This architect's tool is used to lay out circles and to transfer measurements.

Coma Berenices

Coma Berenices, Berenice's Hair, was mentioned in ancient astronomy texts but was first illustrated as a separate constellation by Vopel in 1536.