Norma
Authors: Susanne M Hoffmann
.png)
One of the 88 IAU constellations. The constellation was invented by Lacaille in the 1750s.
Etymology and History
Origin of Constellation
Small instruments in the sky most likely originate from Lacaille. This is also the case here. The astronomer and mathematician worked as a land and sky surveyor in southern Africa and had set himself the goal of filling in the gaps between the existing constellations. In his explanation of this constellation from 1756, he says that it is supposed to be an architect's ruler and set square.
These two instruments are needed for technical drawing, especially for constructing parallel lines and right angles. He mentions that he also defined the Southern Triangle not far away, which seems to fit the group. Lacaille also invented the compass on the centaur's front hoof to honor the profession of technical drawing.
Nicolas Louis de Lacaille explicitly wanted to name contemporary instruments to distinguish these small gap-filling constellations from the classical ones.
