Constellation · Scutum · Sct
Scutum constellation: how to find it, when to see it and what is in it
equatorialbest in august
In short
Scutum (Sct) is a equatorial constellation covering 109 square degrees, number 84 of 88 by size. It has no bright stars — the brightest is magnitude 3.8, so you need a dark sky. It is best seen in the evening in August. Over London it rises and sets and is well placed in its season. Its neighbours in the sky: Aquila, Serpens, Sagittarius.
Area: 109 square degrees, 84 of 88 · Neighbours: Aquila, Serpens, Sagittarius · Updated 10 October 2026
How to find Scutum
- 1
When to look
The best time is in August in the evening: in the south, around 22:03.
- 2
Use the neighbours
Find it from the neighbouring constellations: Aquila, Serpens, Sagittarius.
- 3
Brightest stars
The brightest stars of the figure: Tianbian (3.8ᵐ), β Sct (4.2ᵐ), γ Sct (4.7ᵐ).
When it is visible over London
| Month | Where and when | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| January | — | not visible, behind the Sun |
| February | in the southeast, around 05:44 | low, needs an open horizon |
| March — april | in the southeast, around 04:47 | before dawn |
| May — june | in the south, around 03:24 | before dawn |
| July — october | in the south, around 00:15 | in the evening |
| November | in the southwest, around 17:28 | in the evening |
| December | — | not visible, behind the Sun |
Stars of the constellation
| Star | What it is | Magnitude |
|---|---|---|
| Tianbian · α Sct | orange giant | 3.8ᵐ |
| β Sct | yellow bright giant | 4.2ᵐ |
| γ Sct | white main-sequence star | 4.7ᵐ |
| HR 7119 | blue-white bright giant | 5.1ᵐ |
| HR 7066 | orange supergiant | 5.2ᵐ |
Scutum FAQ
When is the best time to see Scutum?
Scutum is best seen in the evening in August. Over London it rises and sets and is well placed in its season.
Where is Scutum in the sky?
Scutum is a equatorial constellation. Its neighbours: Aquila, Serpens, Sagittarius.
What is the brightest star in Scutum?
Tianbian — a orange giant, magnitude 3.8.
Neighbouring and other constellations
Related
Constellation lines: Stellarium, CC BY-SA · star names: IAU WGSN, CC BY 4.0