Octans was descibed by Lacaille to recognize the contribution of the octant to navigation. Located at the South Celestial Pole, Octans contains rather dim stars. While the North Celestial Pole is clearly marked by the bright star Polaris, the South Celestial Pole has no bright markers to help us locate it.
Octans is the 50th largest constellation covering 291 square degrees and is the 72nd brightest constellation. Octans reaches opposition on August 18 by virtue of it uncentered expanse across the South Celestial Pole.