zoom_in Click to enlarge

Xiphias

▲ ▼

description Xiphias Overview

Xiphias is an obsolete constellation name derived from the Greek word for swordfish. Johannes Kepler used the name in the 1627 Rudolphine Tables, but modern astronomical practice treats the corresponding region of sky as Dorado, one of the 88 officially recognized constellations. Dorado lies in the southern sky and contains most of the Large Magellanic Cloud, a nearby satellite galaxy of the Milky Way.

help Xiphias FAQ

What does the obsolete constellation name Xiphias mean?

Xiphias comes from the Greek word for swordfish. The name described a swordfish-shaped region of the southern sky.

Who used the name Xiphias in an important star catalogue?

Johannes Kepler used Xiphias in the 1627 Rudolphine Tables. That work helped preserve the name in early modern European astronomy.

What modern constellation replaced Xiphias?

Modern astronomy identifies the corresponding region as Dorado. Dorado is one of the 88 constellations officially recognized today.

Is Xiphias still an official constellation?

No, Xiphias is an obsolete constellation name rather than a current official constellation. The International Astronomical Union's modern list contains Dorado for that region.

swap_horiz

Looking for Xiphias alternatives? Compare top competitors ranked & scored

arrow_forward