Octans

Octans is a rather non-descript constellation which includes the southern polar region. The constellation was devised by Nicolas Louis de Lacaille in 1752. It commemorates the octant, which was invented by John Hadley in 1730. The instrument divided the circle into eight parts, which facilitated the making of angular measurements in both astronomy and navigation. The octant later evolved into the sextant. The full name of the constellation is Octans Hadleianus.

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