Constellation · Sct
Scutum
The Shield
A small constellation rich in Milky Way star clouds, with the Wild Duck Cluster (M11).
Magnitude 3.85
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
Can you see Scutum 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 | Scutum |
|---|---|
| 60°N | The whole constellation rises and sets |
| 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 Scutum
When is Scutum best seen?
Scutum stands highest in the sky at 9 pm local time in August. 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 Scutum?
The brightest star in Scutum is Alpha Scuti, magnitude 3.85.
Where on Earth can you see Scutum?
The whole of Scutum can be seen from latitudes between about 90°S and 74°N. From 40°N: The whole constellation rises and sets. From 35°S: The whole constellation rises and sets.
What does Scutum mean?
Scutum is Latin for "the Shield". Introduced by Johannes Hevelius in the late 1600s.