Constellation · best in January evenings

Mensa

Genitive Mensae · Men

Not above the horizon after darkNever rises from London

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Where is Mensa?

Times for LondonChange city

Below the horizon from London all the time.

Rises: Never
Highest: —
Sets: —
Best after dark: —

How to find Mensa

Start with Hoerikwaggo, Mensa’s brightest star (mag 5.1). Nearby constellations include Hydrus, Dorado and Carina.

Its center is at right ascension 5h 18m, declination −78°. Use the chart above: north is up and east is to the left, as when you face south from the Northern Hemisphere.

Brightest star: Hoerikwaggo

Best time to see Mensa

Mensa is highest in the evening sky, around 10 pm, in January. A month or two either side it is still well placed, earlier or later in the night. All of it rises above the horizon from latitudes of about 5° N to 90° S.

Mensa never rises from London: it is too far south in the sky for this latitude.

This is position and timing only: clouds, haze and light pollution aren’t included.

Seeing Mensa

Eyes

Its stars are fairly faint (the brightest, Hoerikwaggo, is mag 5.1). You’ll need a sky away from bright lights to trace the pattern.

Binoculars

Binoculars show many more stars than your eye, and bring out star clusters and brighter nebulae inside it.

Telescope

The constellation is far too large for a telescope’s view. Use one for the clusters, nebulae and galaxies inside it.

What you’re likely to see, not what a space telescope photographs. General guidance from catalog brightness and size, not a forecast for tonight.

About

Mensa (genitive Mensae, abbreviated Men) is one of the 88 constellations recognized by the International Astronomical Union, which together cover the whole sky. Its brightest star is Hoerikwaggo, magnitude 5.1.

SkyMate’s web catalog includes 1 named star in Mensa.

Brightest stars and objects in Mensa

HoerikwaggoYellow Starmag 5.1

Questions

What is the brightest star in Mensa?

Hoerikwaggo, at magnitude 5.1.

When is Mensa visible?

Mensa is highest in the evening sky, around 10 pm, in January. In the months either side it is still well placed, earlier or later in the night.

Can I see Mensa from where I live?

All of Mensa rises above the horizon from latitudes of about 5° N to 90° S. Outside that range, part or all of it stays below the horizon.

Star in itHoerikwaggo Another constellationAndromeda Another constellationAntlia GuideStargazing for beginners ToolMoon phase & visibility tool Browse allConstellations

Sources: IAU; Wikidata (CC0); SkyMate. Positions computed for your place and time with astronomy-engine. Data & Licences