Scorpius, the Scorpion, is the most spectacular zodiacal constellation of the summer months and is located west of Sagittarius in a bright portion of the Milky Way. From mid-northern latitudes it appears directly south and low above the horizon in mid-July.

The brightest star in Scorpius is Antares, a vivid-red, first-magnitude star that is among the largest supergiants known. Antares, a visual double star, is accompanied by a much smaller green companion. The constellation contains numerous multiple-star systems, nebulas, and globular clusters as well as a particularly black, dusty region called the Coal Sack.

The strongest X-ray source yet known in the sky, Sco X-1, was discovered in Scorpius and identified as a peculiar blue variable star.

Arthur F. Cacella

Bibliography: Sanford, J., Observing the Constellations (1990). 

Copyright (c) Grolier Electronic Publishing, Inc.