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Circinus: Difference between revisions
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The Milky Way runs through the constellation, featuring prominent objects such as the open cluster NGC 5823 and theplanetary nebula NGC 5315. Circinus hosts one notable spiral galaxy, the Circinus Galaxy, which was discovered in 1977 and is the closest Seyfert galaxy to the Milky Way. The Alpha Circinids (ACI), a meteor shower also discovered in 1977, radiate from this constellation. | The Milky Way runs through the constellation, featuring prominent objects such as the open cluster NGC 5823 and theplanetary nebula NGC 5315. Circinus hosts one notable spiral galaxy, the Circinus Galaxy, which was discovered in 1977 and is the closest Seyfert galaxy to the Milky Way. The Alpha Circinids (ACI), a meteor shower also discovered in 1977, radiate from this constellation. | ||
Bordered by Centaurus, Musca, Apus, Triangulum Australe, Norma and Lupus, Circinus lies adjacent to the Alpha andBeta Centauri stars. | Bordered by Centaurus, Musca, Apus, Triangulum Australe, Norma and Lupus, Circinus lies adjacent to the Alpha andBeta Centauri stars. | ||
==Etymology== | |||
Circinus is from Latin circinus, pair of compasses, from circus, circle (not to be confused with the Mariner's Compass of the constellation Pyxis). A compass, also called a pair of compasses, or a drafting compass, is a technical drawing instrument that can be used for inscribing circles or arcs. It can also be used as a tool to measure distances, in particular on maps, for mathematics, drafting, navigation, building, carpentry, and other purposes.masonTwo of the principal symbols always found in a Masonic Lodge are the square and compasses. An adjacent constellation, Norma, is the Square. The two together are the emblems of masonry, and the symbol of Freemasonry. <ref>[http://www.constellationsofwords.com/Constellations/Circinus.htm Constellation of Words]</ref> | |||