Constellation · Lib
Libra
The Scales
A faint zodiac constellation between Virgo and Scorpius.
Magnitude 2.61
Highest in the sky at 9 pm local time (summer in the northern hemisphere)
Latitudes where every part of it rises above the horizon at some time of year
The whole sky covers about 41,253 square degrees
Stars brighter than about magnitude 6, the naked-eye limit under dark skies
Named stars in Libra
Brightest first. A lower magnitude means a brighter star.
- Zubeneschamali (Beta Librae)mag 2.61
- Zubenelgenubi (Alpha² Librae)mag 2.75
- Brachium (Sigma Librae)mag 3.25
- Zubenelhakrabi (Gamma Librae)mag 3.91
- Zuben Elakribi (Delta Librae)mag 4.91
- Zubenelgenubi (Alpha¹ Librae)mag 5.15
Can you see Libra from where you live?
This depends only on your latitude. Pick the row nearest to you; for your exact sky tonight, use the sky map.
| Latitude | Libra |
|---|---|
| 60°N | Only part of it ever clears the horizon |
| 40°N | The whole constellation rises and sets |
| 20°N | The whole constellation rises and sets |
| the equator | The whole constellation rises and sets |
| 20°S | The whole constellation rises and sets |
| 40°S | The whole constellation rises and sets |
| 60°S | The whole constellation rises and sets |
Questions about Libra
When is Libra best seen?
Libra stands highest in the sky at 9 pm local time in June. That makes summer evenings the best time for observers in the northern hemisphere; in the southern hemisphere the season is reversed.
What is the brightest star in Libra?
The brightest star in Libra is Zubeneschamali (Beta Librae), magnitude 2.61.
Where on Earth can you see Libra?
The whole of Libra can be seen from latitudes between about 90°S and 60°N. From 40°N: The whole constellation rises and sets. From 35°S: The whole constellation rises and sets.
What does Libra mean?
Libra is Latin for "the Scales". One of Ptolemy's 48 ancient constellations (2nd century).