Former constellations are constellations that are no longer recognized by the International Astronomical Union for various reasons. Many of these constellations existed for long periods of time, even centuries in many cases, which means they still have a large historical value and can be found on older star charts.
Argo Navis is the only constellation from Ptolemy's original list of 48 constellations that is no longer officially recognized. Due to its large size, it was split into four constellations by Nicolas Louis de Lacaille: Carina (the keel), Puppis (the poop deck), Pyxis, the compass, and Vela (the sails). This new version was introduced in the star catalog Coelum Australe Stelliferum in 1763, which was published after de Lacaille's death.
