Constellation · best in July evenings

Scorpius

The Scorpion · Genitive Scorpii · Sco

Not above the horizon after darkRises 14:29 · not up after dark

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Where is Scorpius?

Times for LondonChange city

Below the horizon after dark tonight. Rises 14:29.

Rises: 14:29
Highest: 16:55
Sets: 19:20
Best after dark: —

How to find Scorpius

Start with Antares, Scorpius’s brightest star (mag 0.9). Nearby constellations include Lupus, Norma, Ara and Corona Australis.

Its center is at right ascension 16h 50m, declination −33°. Use the chart above: north is up and east is to the left, as when you face south from the Northern Hemisphere.

Brightest star: Antares

Best time to see Scorpius

Scorpius is highest in the evening sky, around 10 pm, in July. 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 31° N to 90° S.

From London tonight, Scorpius isn’t above the horizon while the sky is dark. It rises at 14:29 and sets at 19:20, in daylight or twilight.

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

Seeing Scorpius

Eyes

Its brightest star, Antares, is easy to see. Tracing the whole pattern is easier away from bright lights.

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

Scorpius (genitive Scorpii, abbreviated Sco) is one of the 88 constellations recognized by the International Astronomical Union, which together cover the whole sky. Its brightest star is Antares, magnitude 0.9.

SkyMate’s web catalog includes 5 named stars and 4 deep-sky objects in Scorpius.

Brightest stars and objects in Scorpius

Questions

What is the brightest star in Scorpius?

Antares, at magnitude 0.9.

When is Scorpius visible?

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

Can I see Scorpius from where I live?

All of Scorpius rises above the horizon from latitudes of about 31° N to 90° S. Outside that range, part or all of it stays below the horizon.

Star in itAntares Star in itShaula Star in itSargas Another constellationAndromeda Another constellationAntlia GuideStargazing for beginners

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