Coma Berenices constellation: how to find it, when to see it and what is in it
In short
Coma Berenices (Com) is a equatorial constellation covering 386 square degrees, number 42 of 88 by size. It has no bright stars — the brightest is magnitude 4.3, so you need a dark sky. It is best seen in the evening in May. Over London it rises and sets and is well placed in its season. Its neighbours in the sky: Boötes, Canes Venatici, Leo, Ursa Major, Virgo.
Area: 386 square degrees, 42 of 88 · Neighbours: Boötes, Canes Venatici, Leo, Ursa Major, Virgo · Updated 10 October 2026
How to find Coma Berenices
- 1
When to look
The best time is in May in the evening: in the south, around 22:24.
- 2
Use the neighbours
Find it from the neighbouring constellations: Boötes, Canes Venatici, Leo, Ursa Major.
- 3
Brightest stars
The brightest stars of the figure: β Com (4.3ᵐ), γ Com (4.4ᵐ), Diadem (5.2ᵐ).
When it is visible over London
| Month | Where and when | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| January — february | in the south, around 05:11 | before dawn |
| March — april | in the south, around 01:17 | around midnight |
| May | in the south, around 22:24 | in the evening |
| June — august | in the west, around 23:21 | in the evening |
| September | in the west, around 20:28 | low, needs an open horizon |
| October | in the east, around 06:04 | low, needs an open horizon |
| November | in the east, around 05:58 | before dawn |
| December | in the southeast, around 06:29 | before dawn |
Stars of the constellation
| Star | What it is | Magnitude |
|---|---|---|
| β Com | yellow-white main-sequence star | 4.3ᵐ |
| γ Com | orange giant | 4.4ᵐ |
| Diadem · α Com | yellow-white main-sequence star | 5.2ᵐ |
Coma Berenices FAQ
When is the best time to see Coma Berenices?
Where is Coma Berenices in the sky?
What is the brightest star in Coma Berenices?
Neighbouring and other constellations
Related
Constellation lines: Stellarium, CC BY-SA · star names: IAU WGSN, CC BY 4.0