Constellation · Sco
Scorpius
The Scorpion
A zodiac constellation shaped like a scorpion, with red Antares at its heart and a long, curving tail that dips into the Milky Way.
Magnitude 1.06
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 Scorpius
Brightest first. A lower magnitude means a brighter star.
- Antares (Alpha Scorpii)mag 1.06
- Shaula (Lambda Scorpii)mag 1.62
- Sargas (Theta Scorpii)mag 1.86
- Dschubba (Delta Scorpii)mag 2.29
- Larawag (Epsilon Scorpii)mag 2.29
- Mula (Kappa Scorpii)mag 2.39
Can you see Scorpius 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 | Scorpius |
|---|---|
| 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 Scorpius
When is Scorpius best seen?
Scorpius stands highest in the sky at 9 pm local time in July. 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 Scorpius?
The brightest star in Scorpius is Antares (Alpha Scorpii), magnitude 1.06.
Where on Earth can you see Scorpius?
The whole of Scorpius can be seen from latitudes between about 90°S and 44°N. From 40°N: The whole constellation rises and sets. From 35°S: The whole constellation rises and sets.
What does Scorpius mean?
Scorpius is Latin for "the Scorpion". One of Ptolemy's 48 ancient constellations (2nd century).