Microscopium: Difference between revisions
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[[File:Microscopium IAU.svg|alt=star chart|thumb|Mic star chart (IAU and Sky & Telescope magazine, Roger Sinnott & Rick Fienberg).]] | [[File:Microscopium IAU.svg|alt=star chart|thumb|Mic star chart (IAU and Sky & Telescope magazine, Roger Sinnott & Rick Fienberg).]] | ||
Microscopium, The Microscope, one of the [[:Category:88_IAU-Constellations|88 IAU constellations]]. The constellation was invented by Lacaille in the 1750s. | |||
==Etymology and History== | ==Etymology and History== | ||
[[File:Lacaille text newConst1752 Mic.JPG|alt=screenshot(s) of text|thumb|Lacaille on Microscopium 1752]] | [[File:Lacaille text newConst1752 Mic.JPG|alt=screenshot(s) of text|thumb|Lacaille on Microscopium 1752]] | ||
=== Origin of Constellation === | |||
This early modern constellation was also invented by the French astronomer Lacaille. At the beginning of his explanation of the newly created constellations, he states that he tried to use contemporary instruments to clearly distinguish them from the ancient constellations. | |||
He describes the microscope as consisting of a tube placed over a square box and forms it from stars between the hind legs of the Centaur and the tail of the Southern Fish. This gap had remained open when the Dutch invented the constellations Indus and Grus at the end of the 17th century. Lacaille, whose declared aim was also to use his inventions to close gaps between already defined constellations, had to use stars of around 5 mag here. It is doubtful that he himself found this clearly visible in the sky – at any rate, it was certainly not clearly prominent. He probably used a star chart on which the existing constellations were marked and the gaps between them became obvious. His requirements were more astrometric and mathematical in nature; every star should belong to a constellation. | |||
=== Transfer and Transformation of the Constellation === | === Transfer and Transformation of the Constellation === | ||
Latest revision as of 18:29, 26 February 2026
Authors: Susanne M Hoffmann
Microscopium, The Microscope, one of the 88 IAU constellations. The constellation was invented by Lacaille in the 1750s.
Etymology and History
Origin of Constellation
This early modern constellation was also invented by the French astronomer Lacaille. At the beginning of his explanation of the newly created constellations, he states that he tried to use contemporary instruments to clearly distinguish them from the ancient constellations.
He describes the microscope as consisting of a tube placed over a square box and forms it from stars between the hind legs of the Centaur and the tail of the Southern Fish. This gap had remained open when the Dutch invented the constellations Indus and Grus at the end of the 17th century. Lacaille, whose declared aim was also to use his inventions to close gaps between already defined constellations, had to use stars of around 5 mag here. It is doubtful that he himself found this clearly visible in the sky – at any rate, it was certainly not clearly prominent. He probably used a star chart on which the existing constellations were marked and the gaps between them became obvious. His requirements were more astrometric and mathematical in nature; every star should belong to a constellation.
