Observing the Constellations from Southern Africa

Observing the Constellations
Short descriptions for finding the Constellations
from Southern Africa
A star watching service by ASSA Bloemfontein Centre, South Africa
Information customized for southern hemisphere, 29 degree latitude South

List of all 88 official constellations

The Constellation of:

MENSA

Background:
Mensa (Table Mountain) is probably the faintest of all the constellations and is very difficult to find. It is a circumpolar southern constellation, with some of its stars in the foreground of the Large Magellanic Cloud (which adds to the difficulty in locating it). Even seasoned constellation observers must frequently refresh their memory with Mensa's position.

Where is it?
Mensa lies in the southern circumpolar skies and is flanked by constellations such as Hydrus and Dorado. It's 4 stars form a shape that resembles Table Mountain of Cape Town.

Finding it:
Mensa can be found year-round close to the south celestial pole, but best time to observe is in summer when it is at its highest. There is probably no easy way to find its 4 faint stars, although it helps to use the Large Magellanic cloud as a reference point together with a detailed star map of Mensa's position.

Descriptions are based on evening observations, for the southern hemisphere and more specifically for Southern Africa.

Summer = Dec, Jan, Feb
Autumn = Mar, Apr, May
Winter = Jun, Jul, Aug
Spring = Sep, Oct, Nov

Zenith = point directly above you in the sky

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