Libra constellation
Libra (the Scales) is a constellation in the southern sky, best seen in the evening in June. Its brightest star is Zubeneschamali (magnitude 2.61). Libra covers 538 square degrees and is the 29th-largest of the 88 constellations.
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How to find Libra, step by step
The scales between Spica and Antares.
- On early summer evenings find Spica in the southwest and red Antares in the south.
- Libra lies between them: Zubenelgenubi is roughly halfway from Antares to Spica.
- Zubenelgenubi and Zubeneschamali, together with two fainter stars, form a quadrilateral, the scales.
Detailed star map of Libra
Facts
| Latin name | Libra (genitive: Librae) |
|---|---|
| Abbreviation | Lib |
| Meaning | the Scales |
| Area | 538 square degrees (29th of 88) |
| Location | right ascension 15.2 h, declination −15° |
| Visible from | latitudes 60° N to 90° S (whole constellation) |
| Best month | June (at about 9 pm) |
| Brightest star | Zubeneschamali |
| Stars brighter than magnitude 6 | 49 |
| Named stars (IAU) | 4 |
| Messier objects | none |
| Neighbors | Hydra, Lupus, Ophiuchus, Scorpius, Serpens, Virgo |
How to find Libra
From 40° N (the USA, southern Europe, Japan) look south in June evenings: at about 9 pm Libra stands highest, around 35° above the southern horizon. From 35° S (Australia, South Africa, Argentina) it is highest in the north, about 70° above the horizon. The months before and after (May and July) are also good: then it is up a couple of hours earlier or later.
Libra borders Hydra, Lupus, Ophiuchus, Scorpius, Serpens and Virgo.
Stars of Libra
Libra has 49 stars brighter than magnitude 6, the limit of the naked eye under a dark sky. These are the brightest:
| Star | Designation | Magnitude | Type | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zubeneschamali | β Librae | 2.61 | B8V | 185 ly |
| Zubenelgenubi | α2 Librae | 2.75 | A3IV | — |
| Brachium | σ Librae | 3.29 | M3-III | 260 ly |
| — | υ Librae | 3.58 | K3III | — |
| — | τ Librae | 3.66 | B2.5V | — |
| Zubenelhakrabi | γ Librae | 3.91 | G8.5III | 164 ly |
| — | θ Librae | 4.15 | G8.5IIIb | — |
| — | 16 Librae | 4.49 | F0V | — |
Printable Libra map and outline
A black and white version for printing and a plain outline of the Libra figure, useful for school projects, worksheets and learning to recognize the shape.
History
Libra is one of the 48 constellations listed by Ptolemy in the Almagest (2nd century AD). Its official boundary was drawn by Eugène Delporte for the International Astronomical Union in 1930.
Questions about Libra
What is the brightest star in Libra?
Zubeneschamali, at magnitude 2.61, about 185 light-years away.
When can you see Libra?
Libra is best seen in the evening in June. The whole constellation is visible from latitudes between 60° N and 90° S.
How many stars are in Libra?
49 stars in Libra are brighter than magnitude 6 and can be seen with the naked eye under a dark sky; 4 of them have official IAU names.
What does Libra mean?
Libra means “the Scales” in Latin. Its abbreviation is Lib and the genitive, used in star names such as β Librae, is Librae.
