Scorpius constellation: how to find it, when to see it and what is in it
In short
A southern zodiac constellation with the red supergiant Antares, the 'rival of Mars'. From mid-northern latitudes Scorpius shows in June and July low in the south, and its curved tail with the sting (Shaula, Lesath) hides below the horizon; further south it is seen in full. The brightest part of the Milky Way passes through the scorpion's tail.
Area: 497 square degrees, 33 of 88 · Neighbours: Ara, Corona Australis, Libra, Lupus, Norma, Ophiuchus, Sagittarius · Updated 10 October 2026
How to find Scorpius
- 1
Look low in the south
In June and July soon after dark, just above the southern horizon. You need an open horizon — a field, a shore, a hill.
- 2
Find Antares
A bright reddish star with a fainter star on either side — the heart of the scorpion. To its right the claws stand in an arc.
- 3
Follow the tail
From Antares the tail drops down and hooks up to Shaula and Lesath. From southern latitudes it is seen in full.
When it is visible over London
| Month | Where and when | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| January — december | — | not visible, behind the Sun |
Stars of the constellation
| Star | What it is | Magnitude |
|---|---|---|
| Antares · α Sco | red supergiant | 1.0ᵐ |
| Shaula · λ Sco | blue-white subgiant | 1.6ᵐ |
| Sargas · θ Sco | yellow-white bright giant | 1.9ᵐ |
| Larawag · ε Sco | orange giant | 2.3ᵐ |
| Dschubba · δ Sco | blue-white subgiant | 2.3ᵐ |
| κ Sco | blue-white giant | 2.4ᵐ |
| Acrab · β¹ Sco | blue-white main-sequence star | 2.6ᵐ |
| Paikauhale · τ Sco | blue-white main-sequence star | 2.8ᵐ |
Scorpius FAQ
When is the best time to see Scorpius?
Where is Scorpius in the sky?
What is the brightest star in Scorpius?
Neighbouring and other constellations
Related
Constellation lines: Stellarium, CC BY-SA · star names: IAU WGSN, CC BY 4.0