Musca is a small but easily recognizable constellation in the southern sky just south of Crux. It contains a conspicuous 2nd magnitude star and a compact trapezium of only slightly fainter stars.
The ribbon of the Milky Way runs through the constellation. An extensive dark cloud, the coal sack, is conspicuous, the southern part of which protrudes into Musca.
| Musca | |
|---|---|
| Latin name | Musca |
| Latin genitive | Muscae |
| Abbreviation | Mus |
| Brightest star | α Muscae |
| Fully visible | 10° N to 90° S |
| Observation time for Central Europe | not observable |
