Microscopium constellation
Microscopium (the Microscope) is a constellation in the southern sky, best seen in the evening in September. Its brightest star is γ Microscopii (magnitude 4.67). Microscopium covers 210 square degrees and is the 66th-largest of the 88 constellations.
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Detailed star map of Microscopium
Facts
| Latin name | Microscopium (genitive: Microscopii) |
|---|---|
| Abbreviation | Mic |
| Meaning | the Microscope |
| Area | 210 square degrees (66th of 88) |
| Location | right ascension 21.0 h, declination −36° |
| Visible from | latitudes 45° N to 90° S (whole constellation) |
| Best month | September (at about 9 pm) |
| Brightest star | γ Microscopii |
| Stars brighter than magnitude 6 | 23 |
| Named stars (IAU) | none |
| Messier objects | none |
| Neighbors | Capricornus, Grus, Indus, Piscis Austrinus, Sagittarius |
How to find Microscopium
From 40° N (the USA, southern Europe, Japan) look south in September evenings: at about 9 pm Microscopium stands highest, around 14° above the southern horizon. From 35° S (Australia, South Africa, Argentina) it is highest in the south, about 89° above the horizon. The months before and after (August and October) are also good: then it is up a couple of hours earlier or later.
Microscopium borders Capricornus, Grus, Indus, Piscis Austrinus and Sagittarius.
Stars of Microscopium
Microscopium has 23 stars brighter than magnitude 6, the limit of the naked eye under a dark sky. These are the brightest:
| Star | Designation | Magnitude | Type | Distance |
|---|
Printable Microscopium map and outline
A black and white version for printing and a plain outline of the Microscopium figure, useful for school projects, worksheets and learning to recognize the shape.
History
Microscopium is introduced by the French astronomer Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille, who charted the southern sky from the Cape of Good Hope in 1751–52. Its official boundary was drawn by Eugène Delporte for the International Astronomical Union in 1930.
Questions about Microscopium
What is the brightest star in Microscopium?
γ Microscopii, at magnitude 4.67.
When can you see Microscopium?
Microscopium is best seen in the evening in September. The whole constellation is visible from latitudes between 45° N and 90° S.
How many stars are in Microscopium?
23 stars in Microscopium are brighter than magnitude 6 and can be seen with the naked eye under a dark sky; none of them has an official IAU name.
What does Microscopium mean?
Microscopium means “the Microscope” in Latin. Its abbreviation is Mic and the genitive, used in star names such as γ Microscopii, is Microscopii.
