Fornax

Fornax is a faint southern constellation containing the Fornax Cluster, one of the closest galaxy clusters to Earth at about 62 million light-years away. The Hubble Ultra Deep Field, one of the deepest images of the universe, was photographed in this constellation's direction.

Location in the Sky

When to Observe

Fornax is best observed during December. It is located in the SQ1 quadrant and is primarily visible from the southern hemisphere. The constellation contains 2 main stars forming its asterism, with 14 Bayer/Flamsteed designated stars in total. Its brightest star is Dalim.

Mythology & History

Fornax was introduced by Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille in the 1750s as Fornax Chemica, the chemical furnace, honoring Antoine Lavoisier's contributions to chemistry. Like other Lacaille constellations, it represents a scientific instrument. It occupies a relatively empty region of sky.