Microscopium constellation
Microscopium is a constellation of the southern sky. Its brightest star is γ Microscopii. Visibility at mid-northern latitudes (52° N): only partly visible — its southern part never rises above the horizon.
- Autumnbest seen
- γ Microscopiibrightest star, magnitude 4.7
- MicMicroscopium
How to find the constellation Microscopium
Use its brightest star as a guide: γ Microscopii (magnitude 4.7). In September around 22:00 it is highest above the southern horizon — the center of the figure rises to about 2°. Its southern part never rises at mid-northern latitudes (52° N) — the whole constellation can be seen from further south.
| Location | Visibility |
|---|---|
| 40° NMadrid, New York, Beijing | rises and sets, fully visible |
| 52° NLondon, Berlin, Warsaw | only partly visible — its southern part never rises above the horizon |
| 60° NOslo, Helsinki, Saint Petersburg | not visible — too far south in the sky |
Questions
How do you find the constellation Microscopium in the sky?
Use its brightest star as a guide: γ Microscopii (magnitude 4.7). In September around 22:00 it is highest above the southern horizon — the center of the figure rises to about 2°. Its southern part never rises at mid-northern latitudes (52° N) — the whole constellation can be seen from further south.
When is the best time of year to observe the constellation Microscopium?
In autumn: in September around 22:00 the constellation is highest above the horizon. Two or three months earlier it can be seen before dawn, two or three months later only in the early evening, and half a year later it is in the sky during the day, near the Sun, and can’t be seen.
What is the brightest star in the constellation Microscopium?
γ Microscopii: magnitude 4.7, yellow.
How many stars are there in the constellation Microscopium?
With the naked eye on a perfectly dark night — with no light pollution and no Moon — you can see about 23 stars in the constellation (brighter than magnitude 6, within the constellation’s boundaries). In a city far fewer: usually only the stars of its figure.