Musca (The Fly)

Small southern constellation of the fly, the only insect in the sky, just below the Southern Cross.

Core Principles & Analysis

• Keyser and de Houtman charted it in the 1590s; it was first drawn as the Bee, Apis, before becoming the Fly.
• It is the only insect constellation and sits directly south of Crux.
• The globular cluster NGC 4372 at its edge is one of the largest known.

Specifications & Metrics

• BRIGHTEST STAR: α Muscae
• HEMISPHERE: Southern
• BEST VIEWED: May