Norma (constellation)
Norma (Latin for Normal, i.e. right angle) is a small and inconspicuous constellation of the southern hemisphere, near Scorpius, on the Milky Way.
Notable features Norma has no α or β star; its brightest star, γ2 Normae, is only of fourth magnitude.
Notable deep-sky objects Due to its location on the Milky Way, this constellation contains many deep sky objects. The brightest of the open clusters in the constellation is NGC 6087, in the northwestern corner.
History This constellation was named by Nicolas Louis de Lacaille during his stay at the Cape of Good Hope from 1751 to 1752. He originally called it Norma et Regula (the Normal (a Set Square) and the Ruler (a Level) ), referring to the carpenter's tools. The constellation had previously been called the Southern Triangle (no relation to Triangulum Australe) and Quadrans Euclidis (Euclid's square). Since it lies in the south, and was created in the 17th century, this constellation has no early or classical mythology associated with it.
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