Mensa constellation: how to find it, when to see it and what is in it
In short
Mensa (Men) is a southern constellation covering 153 square degrees, number 75 of 88 by size. It has no bright stars — the brightest is magnitude 5.2, so you need a dark sky. It is best seen in the evening in January. It never rises over London — it is visible south of 6° north. Its neighbours in the sky: Chamaeleon, Dorado, Hydrus, Octans, Volans.
Area: 153 square degrees, 75 of 88 · Neighbours: Chamaeleon, Dorado, Hydrus, Octans, Volans · Updated 10 October 2026
How to find Mensa
- 1
Where it is visible
The constellation rises above the horizon south of 6° north and is well seen from the southern hemisphere.
- 2
Use the neighbours
Find it from the neighbouring constellations: Chamaeleon, Dorado, Hydrus, Octans.
- 3
Brightest stars
The brightest stars of the figure: γ Men (5.2ᵐ), μ Men (5.5ᵐ).
When it is visible over London
| Month | Where and when | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| January — december | — | never rises |
Stars of the constellation
| Star | What it is | Magnitude |
|---|---|---|
| γ Men | orange giant | 5.2ᵐ |
| μ Men | blue-white bright giant | 5.5ᵐ |
Mensa FAQ
When is the best time to see Mensa?
Where is Mensa in the sky?
What is the brightest star in Mensa?
Neighbouring and other constellations
Related
Constellation lines: Stellarium, CC BY-SA · star names: IAU WGSN, CC BY 4.0