Musca constellation: how to find it, when to see it and what is in it
In short
Musca (Mus) is a southern constellation covering 138 square degrees, number 77 of 88 by size. Its brightest star is α Mus, a blue-white subgiant, magnitude 2.7. It is best seen in the evening in May. It never rises over London — it is visible south of 11° north. Its neighbours in the sky: Apus, Carina, Centaurus, Chamaeleon, Circinus, Crux.
Area: 138 square degrees, 77 of 88 · Neighbours: Apus, Carina, Centaurus, Chamaeleon, Circinus, Crux · Updated 10 October 2026
How to find Musca
- 1
Where it is visible
The constellation rises above the horizon south of 11° north and is well seen from the southern hemisphere.
- 2
Use the neighbours
Find it from the neighbouring constellations: Apus, Carina, Centaurus, Chamaeleon.
- 3
Brightest stars
The brightest stars of the figure: α Mus (2.7ᵐ), β Mus (3.0ᵐ), λ Mus (3.6ᵐ).
When it is visible over London
| Month | Where and when | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| January — december | — | never rises |
Stars of the constellation
| Star | What it is | Magnitude |
|---|---|---|
| α Mus | blue-white subgiant | 2.7ᵐ |
| β Mus | blue-white main-sequence star | 3.0ᵐ |
| λ Mus | white giant | 3.6ᵐ |
| γ Mus | blue-white main-sequence star | 3.9ᵐ |
Musca FAQ
When is the best time to see Musca?
Where is Musca in the sky?
What is the brightest star in Musca?
Neighbouring and other constellations
Related
Constellation lines: Stellarium, CC BY-SA · star names: IAU WGSN, CC BY 4.0