Norma (constellation)

The constellation Norma is a small group of stars in the southern hemisphere between Scorpius and Centaurus. Its name is Latin for normal and can mean a right angle. The constellation may be pictured as a ruler, a carpenter's square, a set square, or a level.

Notable features
Stars
The Milky Way passes through Norma.

Deep-sky objects
Because it is on the Milky Way, this constellation contains many deep sky objects. Galaxy NGC 6087 is a highly visible one.

Shapley 1 is a planetary nebula about 1,000 lightyears away from Earth.

References

 Ian Ridpath and Wil Tirion (2007). Stars and Planets Guide, Collins, London. . Princeton University Press, Princeton. .

Other websites
Norma on Robin Gatter's site 
Star Tales – Norma
Norma on Richard Dibon-Smith's site
Peoria Astronomical Society: Norma 
The Deep Photographic Guide to the Constellations: Norma

Category:Constellations