Microscopium constellation: how to find it, when to see it and what is in it
In short
Microscopium (Mic) is a southern constellation covering 210 square degrees, number 66 of 88 by size. It has no bright stars — the brightest is magnitude 4.7, so you need a dark sky. It is best seen in the evening in September. Over London it stays low — you need an open southern horizon. Its neighbours in the sky: Capricornus, Grus, Indus, Piscis Austrinus, Sagittarius.
Area: 210 square degrees, 66 of 88 · Neighbours: Capricornus, Grus, Indus, Piscis Austrinus, Sagittarius · Updated 10 October 2026
How to find Microscopium
- 1
When to look
The best time is in September in the evening: —.
- 2
Use the neighbours
Find it from the neighbouring constellations: Capricornus, Grus, Indus, Piscis Austrinus.
- 3
Brightest stars
The brightest stars of the figure: γ Mic (4.7ᵐ), Aerostaticus (4.7ᵐ), α Mic (4.9ᵐ).
When it is visible over London
| Month | Where and when | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| January — december | — | not visible, behind the Sun |
Stars of the constellation
| Star | What it is | Magnitude |
|---|---|---|
| γ Mic | yellow giant | 4.7ᵐ |
| Aerostaticus · ε Mic | white main-sequence star | 4.7ᵐ |
| α Mic | yellow giant | 4.9ᵐ |
Microscopium FAQ
When is the best time to see Microscopium?
Where is Microscopium in the sky?
What is the brightest star in Microscopium?
Neighbouring and other constellations
Related
Constellation lines: Stellarium, CC BY-SA · star names: IAU WGSN, CC BY 4.0