Constellation · best in June evenings

Libra

The Scales · Genitive Librae · Lib

Not above the horizon after darkRises 10:43 · not up after dark

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Where is Libra?

Times for LondonChange city

Below the horizon after dark tonight. Rises 10:43.

Rises: 10:43
Highest: 15:21
Sets: 19:54
Best after dark: —

How to find Libra

Nearby constellations include Scorpius, Serpens and Virgo.

Its center is at right ascension 15h 16m, declination −17°. Use the chart above: north is up and east is to the left, as when you face south from the Northern Hemisphere.

Brightest star: Zubeneschamali

Best time to see Libra

Libra is highest in the evening sky, around 10 pm, in June. 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 56° N to 90° S.

From London tonight, Libra isn’t above the horizon while the sky is dark. It rises at 10:43 and sets at 19:54, in daylight or twilight.

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

Seeing Libra

Eyes

Its stars are fairly faint (the brightest, its alpha star, is mag 2.6). 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

Libra (genitive Librae, abbreviated Lib) is one of the 88 constellations recognized by the International Astronomical Union, which together cover the whole sky.

SkyMate’s web catalog includes 2 named stars in Libra.

Brightest stars and objects in Libra

Questions

When is Libra visible?

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

Can I see Libra from where I live?

All of Libra rises above the horizon from latitudes of about 56° N to 90° S. Outside that range, part or all of it stays below the horizon.

Star in itZubeneschamali Star in itZubenelgenubi Another constellationAndromeda Another constellationAntlia GuideStargazing for beginners ToolMoon phase & visibility tool

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