Antlia - The Air Pump

Learn about the constellation Antlia - The Air Pump, location, facts, mythology, meteor showers and deep space objects.

By Tim Trott • January 5, 2012

The constellation Antlia is relatively new as it was only created in the 18th century, being too faint to be acknowledged by the ancient Greeks.

Location: Northern Spring 10h RA -30° Dec

The IAU adopted it as one of the 88 modern constellations. Beginning at the North, Antlia is surrounded by the sea snake Hydra, the compass Pyxis, the sails (Vela) of the mythological ship Argo and finally the centaur Centaurus.

Antlia
Antlia

Antlia Mythology

There is no mythology associated with Antlia as it is a young constellation.

Antlia Deep Space Objects

NGC 3132, the Southern Ring Nebula, is a bright and large planetary nebula located very close to the border with Vela. Seen through a 6-inch scope it appears as an elliptical disk with an apparent size larger than that of the planet Jupiter.

More Constellations

Northern Circumpolar
Camelopardalis Cassiopeia Cepheus Draco Lacerta Ursa Major
Ursa Minor
Northern Spring
Antlia Boötes Cancer Coma Berenices Crater Hydra
Leo Leo Minor Virgo
Northern Summer
Aquila Corona Borealis Cygnus Delphinus Equuleus Hercules
Libra Lyra Ophiuchus Sagitta Scutum Serpens
Vulpecula
Northern Autumn
Andromeda Aquarius Aries Capricornus Pegasus Pisces
Triangulum
Northern Winter
Auriga Canes Venatici Canis Major Canis Minor Cetus Eridanus
Gemini Lepus Lynx Monoceros Orion Perseus
Taurus
Southern Constellations
Apus Ara Caelum Carina Centaurus Chamaeleon
Circinus Columba Corona Australis Corvus Crux Dorado
Fornax Grus Horologium Hydrus Indus Lupus
Mensa Microscopium Musca Norma Octans Pavo
Phoenix Pictor Piscis Austrinus Puppis Pyxis Reticulum
Sagittarius Scorpius Sculptor Sextans Telescopium Triangulum Australe
Tucana Vela Volans

About the Author

Tim Trott is an avid stargazer and astrophotographer whose passion for the cosmos fuels a lifelong journey of exploration and wonder. Through Perfect Astronomy, he shares the beauty of the night sky and the art of capturing it, blending science and creativity to inspire curious minds and aspiring astrophotographers alike. Join him as he turns every starry night into a story waiting to be told.

Related ArticlesThese articles may also be of interest to you

CommentsShare your thoughts in the comments below

My website and its content are free to use without the clutter of adverts, popups, marketing messages or anything else like that. If you enjoyed reading this article, or it helped you in some way, all I ask in return is you leave a comment below or share this page with your friends. Thank you.

There are no comments yet. Why not get the discussion started?

New comments for this post are currently closed.