description Musca Overview
Musca is a small constellation in the southern celestial hemisphere that represents a fly. Its stars were recorded during early European mapping of the southern sky and appeared among the southern constellations associated with Petrus Plancius; Johann Bayer depicted the figure as Apis, or "the bee," in his 1603 star atlas. The International Astronomical Union recognizes Musca as one of the 88 modern constellations.
help Musca FAQ
What does the constellation Musca represent?
Musca represents a fly and lies in the southern celestial hemisphere. Its name comes from the Latin word for fly.
Who introduced Musca as a constellation?
Musca appeared among the southern constellations associated with Petrus Plancius. Johann Bayer later depicted the figure in his star atlas Uranometria.
Can Musca be seen from the Northern Hemisphere?
Musca is far south in the sky, so it is best viewed from the Southern Hemisphere. Observers in far-northern locations may not see the whole constellation.
Is Musca one of the zodiac constellations?
No. Musca is a southern constellation and does not lie along the ecliptic zodiac band. It is a small constellation compared with many of the zodiac figures.
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