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 6 April, and its whole figure rises above the horizon from 90°N to 62°S.

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Coma Berenices at a glance

Represents
Berenice's hair
Highest at midnight
6 April
Highest at 9 pm
21 May
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 6 April and at 9 pm around 21 May. Each month it is highest about two hours earlier than the month before.

The times are local solar time. Clocks on summer time or daylight saving time read about one hour later.

When Coma Berenices is highest each month
DateHighest at
15 January05:20
15 February03:20
15 March01:30
15 April23:20
15 May21:20
15 June19:20
15 July17:20
15 August15:20
15 September13:20
15 October11:20
15 November09:20
15 December07:20

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 6 April, 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 6 April, 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

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