Coma Berenices constellation
Coma Berenices is one of the 88 constellations, and it represents Berenice's hair. It is highest in the sky at midnight around April 6, and its whole figure rises above the horizon from 90°N to 62°S.
Coma Berenices at a glance
- Represents
- Berenice's hair
- Highest at midnight
- April 6
- Highest at 9 pm
- May 21
- Seen whole from
- 90°N to 62°S
- Stars in the figure
- 3 stars
- Origin
- 16th or 17th century
When to see Coma Berenices
Coma Berenices is highest in the sky at midnight around April 6 and at 9 pm around May 21. Each month it is highest about two hours earlier than the month before.
The times are local solar time. Clocks on daylight saving time read about one hour later.
| Date | Highest at |
|---|---|
| January 15 | 5:20 a.m. |
| February 15 | 3:20 a.m. |
| March 15 | 1:30 a.m. |
| April 15 | 11:20 p.m. |
| May 15 | 9:20 p.m. |
| June 15 | 7:20 p.m. |
| July 15 | 5:20 p.m. |
| August 15 | 3:20 p.m. |
| September 15 | 1:20 p.m. |
| October 15 | 11:20 a.m. |
| November 15 | 9:20 a.m. |
| December 15 | 7:20 a.m. |
Where to look for Coma Berenices
From the northern hemisphere
From 40°N, Coma Berenices rises in the east and sets in the west. It is highest around midnight on April 6, 75° above the southern horizon.
From the southern hemisphere
From 35°S, Coma Berenices rises in the east and sets in the west. It is highest around midnight on April 6, 30° above the northern horizon.
Brightest stars in Coma Berenices
None of the stars of Coma Berenices is brighter than magnitude 2.3, so it is best seen from a dark place away from city lights. Its brightest stick-figure stars are about magnitude 4.
Coma Berenices in myth and history
The constellation is named after Queen Berenice II of Egypt, who offered her hair to the gods for the safe return of her husband from war. When the hair disappeared, the court astronomer Conon said it had been placed among the stars.
European astronomers added Coma Berenices in the 16th or 17th century.
Constellations next to Coma Berenices
Find Coma Berenices in your sky
Questions about Coma Berenices
Coma Berenices is highest in the sky at midnight around April 6 and at 9 pm around May 21. The weeks around those dates are the best time to look.
The whole figure of Coma Berenices rises above the horizon from 90°N to 62°S, and at least part of it rises from 90°N to 73°S.
Coma Berenices represents Berenice's hair. European astronomers added Coma Berenices in the 16th or 17th century.