Name a Star in the Fornax Constellation
Modified: July 1, 2023 Author: International Star Registry

Meaning “the furnace”, Fornax was described by Lacaille as being within the southern bend of the river. It was named in honor of the celebrated chemist Antoine Lauraent Lavoisier and had to do with his chemical prowess. The name referred to a chemical furnace used in laboratories. It is a southern hemisphere constellation and is most viewable in November. Six star systems in Fornax have been found to have exoplanets Constellations near Fornax include Cetus, Eridanus, Phoenix and Sculptor.
Symbol: For
Right Ascension: 02:50
Declination: -30
Diameter (°): 14
Area (square °): 398
Opposition: Nov 07
Size Rank: 41st
Brightness Rank: 81st
Genitive: Fornacis
Major or notable stars in Fornax
Dalim – α Fornacis (Alpha Fornacis)
β Fornacis (Beta Fornacis)
λ2 Fornacis (Lambda-2 Fornacis)
HD 20781 and HD 20782
HIP 13044
Deep Sky Objects in Fornax
Fornax Cluster
NGC 1399
NGC 1404
UDFy-38135539
NGC 1097 (Caldwell 67)
NGC 1360
Great Barred Spiral Galaxy – NGC 1365
NGC 1398
NGC 1427
NGC 1049
Fornax Dwarf
Fornax A – NGC 1316
NGC 1350
Mythology of the Constellation Fornax
Nearby Cetus and Eridanus have mythological stories. Fornax was too dim and too far south to be of consequence to Ptolemy. It is not included in Greek Mythology. Fornax was identified and named by the French astronomer Nicolas Louis de Lacaille during his stay at the Cape of Good Hope. During this 2-year period, he observed and catalogued nearly 10,000 stars. Originally, he called it “le Fourneau Chymique” (the Chemical Furnace) then abbreviated it to “le Fourneau” on his 1752 planisphere. He Latinized the name of the constellation in 1763 to “Fornax Chimiae”. English astronomer Francis Bailey shortened the constellation’s name to Fornax in 1845.
FAQ
Q. What does Fornax constellation mean?
A. Its name means “the furnace” in Latin. This is a hot one, name a star after the person you’re crazy about.
Q. Is Fornax a large constellation?
A. Fornax is the 41st largest constellation in the sky, occupying an area of 398 square degrees.
Q. When and where can you see the Fornax constellation?
A. The Fornax constellation is best seen during winter from the Southern Hemisphere.