Microscopium constellation
Microscopium is one of the 88 constellations, and it represents the microscope. It is highest in the sky at midnight around August 8, and its whole figure rises above the horizon from 56°N to 90°S.
Microscopium at a glance
- Represents
- the microscope
- Highest at midnight
- August 8
- Highest at 9 pm
- September 21
- Seen whole from
- 56°N to 90°S
- Stars in the figure
- 3 stars
- Origin
- Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille, 1750s
When to see Microscopium
Microscopium is highest in the sky at midnight around August 8 and at 9 pm around September 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 | 1:20 p.m. |
| February 15 | 11:20 a.m. |
| March 15 | 9:30 a.m. |
| April 15 | 7:30 a.m. |
| May 15 | 5:30 a.m. |
| June 15 | 3:30 a.m. |
| July 15 | 1:30 a.m. |
| August 15 | 11:30 p.m. |
| September 15 | 9:30 p.m. |
| October 15 | 7:30 p.m. |
| November 15 | 5:30 p.m. |
| December 15 | 3:30 p.m. |
Where to look for Microscopium
From the northern hemisphere
From 40°N, Microscopium rises in the east and sets in the west. It is highest around midnight on August 8, 17° above the southern horizon.
From the southern hemisphere
From 35°S, Microscopium rises in the east and sets in the west. It is highest around midnight on August 8, almost overhead.
Brightest stars in Microscopium
None of the stars of Microscopium 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.
Microscopium in myth and history
The French astronomer Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille added Microscopium in the 1750s, after he mapped the southern sky from the Cape of Good Hope.
Constellations next to Microscopium
Find Microscopium in your sky
Questions about Microscopium
Microscopium is highest in the sky at midnight around August 8 and at 9 pm around September 21. The weeks around those dates are the best time to look.
The whole figure of Microscopium rises above the horizon from 56°N to 90°S, and at least part of it rises from 58°N to 90°S.
Microscopium represents the microscope. The French astronomer Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille added Microscopium in the 1750s, after he mapped the southern sky from the Cape of Good Hope.