description Fornax Overview
Fornax is a faint constellation in the southern sky, introduced by Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille in 1756 under the name Fornax Chemica, the chemical furnace, reflecting his practice of naming southern constellations after scientific instruments. Its brightest star is Alpha Fornacis, a double star roughly 46 light-years from Earth. The constellation contains the Fornax Cluster of galaxies, one of the richest nearby galaxy clusters, and the Fornax Dwarf, a satellite galaxy of the Milky Way. The Hubble Ultra Deep Field, among the deepest astronomical images ever made, was targeted on a small patch of sky within Fornax.
help Fornax FAQ
Who introduced the constellation Fornax?
Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille introduced Fornax in 1756. He originally named it Fornax Chemica, meaning the chemical furnace.
What does Fornax represent?
Fornax represents a chemical furnace, reflecting Lacaille's practice of naming southern constellations after scientific instruments. It is a faint constellation in the southern sky.
What is the brightest star in Fornax?
The brightest star in Fornax is Alpha Fornacis. It is the constellation's principal named stellar reference.
Why is Fornax associated with science?
Lacaille named Fornax after a chemical furnace, an instrument used in scientific work. The name fits his broader pattern of using scientific instruments for southern constellations.
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