Libra constellation: how to find it, when to see it and what is in it
In short
Libra (Lib) is a equatorial constellation covering 538 square degrees, number 29 of 88 by size. Its brightest star is Zubeneschamali, a blue-white main-sequence star, magnitude 2.6. It is best seen in the evening in June. Over London it rises and sets and is well placed in its season. Its neighbours in the sky: Hydra, Lupus, Ophiuchus, Scorpius, Serpens, Virgo.
Area: 538 square degrees, 29 of 88 · Neighbours: Hydra, Lupus, Ophiuchus, Scorpius, Serpens, Virgo · Updated 10 October 2026
How to find Libra
- 1
When to look
The best time is in June in the evening: in the south, around 23:21.
- 2
Use the neighbours
Find it from the neighbouring constellations: Hydra, Lupus, Ophiuchus, Scorpius.
- 3
Brightest stars
The brightest stars of the figure: Zubeneschamali (2.6ᵐ), Zubenelgenubi (2.8ᵐ), Brachium (3.3ᵐ).
When it is visible over London
| Month | Where and when | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| January — april | in the south, around 06:26 | before dawn |
| May | in the south, around 00:54 | around midnight |
| June | in the south, around 23:21 | in the evening |
| July — august | in the southwest, around 23:00 | low, needs an open horizon |
| September — december | — | not visible, behind the Sun |
Stars of the constellation
| Star | What it is | Magnitude |
|---|---|---|
| Zubeneschamali · β Lib | blue-white main-sequence star | 2.6ᵐ |
| Zubenelgenubi · α² Lib | white subgiant | 2.8ᵐ |
| Brachium · σ Lib | red giant | 3.3ᵐ |
| Zubenelhakrabi · γ Lib | yellow giant | 3.9ᵐ |
| θ Lib | yellow giant | 4.2ᵐ |
Libra FAQ
When is the best time to see Libra?
Where is Libra in the sky?
What is the brightest star in Libra?
Neighbouring and other constellations
Related
Constellation lines: Stellarium, CC BY-SA · star names: IAU WGSN, CC BY 4.0