Constellation · Mic
Microscopium
The Microscope
A faint southern constellation with no star brighter than about magnitude 4.7.
Magnitude 4.67
Highest in the sky at 9 pm local time (autumn in the northern hemisphere)
Latitudes where every part of it rises above the horizon at some time of year
The whole sky covers about 41,253 square degrees
Stars brighter than about magnitude 6, the naked-eye limit under dark skies
Can you see Microscopium from where you live?
This depends only on your latitude. Pick the row nearest to you; for your exact sky tonight, use the sky map.
| Latitude | Microscopium |
|---|---|
| 60°N | Only part of it ever clears the horizon |
| 40°N | The whole constellation rises and sets |
| 20°N | The whole constellation rises and sets |
| the equator | The whole constellation rises and sets |
| 20°S | The whole constellation rises and sets |
| 40°S | The whole constellation rises and sets |
| 60°S | The whole constellation rises and sets |
Questions about Microscopium
When is Microscopium best seen?
Microscopium stands highest in the sky at 9 pm local time in September. That makes autumn evenings the best time for observers in the northern hemisphere; in the southern hemisphere the season is reversed.
What is the brightest star in Microscopium?
The brightest star in Microscopium is Gamma Microscopii, magnitude 4.67.
Where on Earth can you see Microscopium?
The whole of Microscopium can be seen from latitudes between about 90°S and 45°N. From 40°N: The whole constellation rises and sets. From 35°S: The whole constellation rises and sets.
What does Microscopium mean?
Microscopium is Latin for "the Microscope". Introduced by Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille in the 1750s.