Antlia - The Air Pump

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

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 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.