"The Octant"
History: Octans is a modern constellation, first described by Abbe Nicholas Louis de Lacaille, who first mapped the stars of the Southern Hemisphere between the years 1751 through 1753. Because it is a newer constellation, there is no classical mythology associated with this star picture. It is interesting to note that Octans resides at the South Celestial Pole, just like Ursa Major (and the Big Dipper) reside at the North Celestial Pole. However, there is no star marking the South Celestial Pole like Polaris marks the North Celestial Pole.
Interesting Trivia: The octant was invented by John Hadley in 1730 (in fact, this constellation was first known as Octans Hadleianus), and is an optical device using a telescope that is often used in navigation. Since its range is only forty-five degrees, or one-eighth of a circle (360o), it was termed "octant." The more modern sextant is so named because it spans sixty degrees, or one-sixth of a circle.