Microscopium

Microscopium is a faint southern constellation with no stars brighter than magnitude 4.7. It is located south of Capricornus and west of Sagittarius. It contains several galaxies observable with moderate amateur telescopes.

Location in the Sky

When to Observe

Microscopium is best observed during September. It is located in the SQ4 quadrant and is primarily visible from the southern hemisphere. The constellation contains 5 main stars forming its asterism, with 13 Bayer/Flamsteed designated stars in total. Its brightest star is Gamma Microscopii.

Mythology & History

Microscopium was introduced by Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille in the 1750s, representing the compound microscope. Like his other constellations, it honors scientific instruments of the Enlightenment era. It occupies a dim region of the southern sky.