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:

MICROSCOPIUM

Background:
Microscopium (the Microscope) is a small and faint constellation, usually represented by only 4 stars on star maps. It is usually difficult to find. In a sense it doesn't look like a microscope! It lies in a dark part of the sky.

Where is it?
Microscopium can be found in the spring skies passing close by your zenith. It is bordered by no less than 5 constellations, of which Sagittarius and Capricornus are the most prominent.

Finding it:
There are many ways to approach Microscopium, depending on the bordering constellations that you already know. It helps to know Capricornus and by using a star map, jump to Microscopium. You can also use the tip of Pisces Austrinus (the star opposite of Fomalhaut) to guide you towards the Microscope.

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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