Libra

Abbreviation:  Lib
English Name:  The Scales
Genitive: Zubenelgenubi or Zuben Elgenubi
Hemisphere:  Southern Hemisphere
Location: Between the constellations of Scorpius and Virgo.
Visible between latitudes:  +65 and -90 degrees
Best season: Summer
Seen in three seasons: Spring, Summer and Autumn
Best seen in: June
Seen between: May and July
Right Ascension (RA):  15 hour
Declination (DEC):  -15 degrees
Area (square degrees):  538 (29th)

Libra (The Scales)

• Libra is easy to find by leading a line westward; the bright star of Antares (orange star) in the constellation of Scorpius across the sky.
• A constellation of the zodiac, Libra lies just south of the celestial equator and ecliptic across, just below the brightest star, Zubenelgenubi, between Scorpion and Virgo.
• Zubenelgenubi (The Southern Claw or Alpha Librae) is a wide double star, can be seen its separated by binoculars or even good eyesight.

Messier Objects

• No Messier objects in Libra.

Features of Interest

• NGC 5897 – only one bright Globular Cluster, but one of the less concentrated clusters that are known – must be a clear night and dark skies to be able seeing with a pair of binocular 10×50.

Named Stars

• Zubenelgenubi (Alpha 2 Lib)
• Zubenelschemali (Beta Lib)
• Zubenelakrab (Gamma Lib)
• Zubenelakribi (Delta Lib)
• Brachium (Sigma Lib)

Others

• Photo of the constellation; Libra, as it appears to the naked eye. (Lines have been added for clarity.)
• Sky Chart  –  Libra
• List of stars in Libra.

 

Back to The 88 Constellations Lists  page.