Spotting Scorpius: A Guide for UK Stargazers

Scorpius, the Scorpion, is one of the zodiac’s most recognizable constellations. It lies opposite Orion, the hunter, so that when Scorpius ascends the horizon, Orion has already set. For observers in the United Kingdom the constellation stays low in the southern sky and often never climbs fully above the horizon, making it a challenging target for casual viewing.

The Guardian

In classical mythology Scorpius was sent to slay Orion. The two figures are therefore placed on opposite sides of the celestial sphere, a symbolic representation of their eternal chase.

The Guardian

A sky chart for London at 11 p.m. BST on 24 July shows Scorpius low in the southern sky, with the bright waxing-gibbous Moon nearby. The Moon’s proximity adds illumination but also a subtle glare that can mask fainter stars. Because the view is through thicker, more turbulent air near the horizon, the constellation’s stars often appear to twinkle.

The Guardian

Antares, the red-orange star marking Scorpius’s heart, is a red supergiant vastly larger than the Sun and nearing the end of its stellar life. Its hue, described as “ruby jewel-like,” earned the name “rival of Mars,” a nod to its reddish color.

The Guardian

• “This week we will take the opportunity to identify Scorpius, the Scorpion, one of the famous zodiacal constellations.” — The Guardian

The Guardian

• “In mythology, Scorpius is the creature sent to kill Orion, the hunter.” — The Guardian

The Guardian

• “The full constellation is visible from more southerly latitudes, but for stargazers in the UK it can be one of the more frustrating to track down because it is so low that it never fully rises above the horizon.” — The Guardian

The Guardian

• “The bright waxing gibbous moon lies close to Antares, the red-orange star that marks the heart of the Scorpion.” — The Guardian

The Guardian

• “Antares means “rival of Mars”, a reference to its reddish colour.” — The Guardian

The Guardian

• “In reality it is a red supergiant star, vastly larger than the sun and nearing the end of its life.” — The Guardian

The Guardian