Constellations of the Altar, the Rule and the Telescope - Constellations of Ara, Norma and...

Constellations of the Altar, the Rule and the Telescope - Constellations of Ara, Norma and Telescopium - The Altar, in the center of the image, is a constellation of the southern hemisphere located between the Centaur and the Wolf. Also visible are the constellations of the Rule (right) and the Telescope. Ara (the Altar) is an inconspicuous constellation in the southern sky. It was once considered part of Centaurus and Lupus but became separated when the 'modern' constellation Norma was created by Lacaille in the 1750s. It was recognised by the Greeks and Romans and was visualised as the altar on which the Centaur, Centaurus, was to sacrifice Lupus, the Wolf. This is reflected in its Latin name, Ara Centauri. The constellation is the 63rd largest in the sky and covers about 237 square degrees. The best - known objects in this field are some diffuse dusty nebulae and star clusters. The only named star in Ara is Karnot Mizbeach (ss Ara). Best seen in the early evening in July