Libra (constellation)
Libra (pronounced /ˈliːbrə/, Latin: weighing scale, symbol 
, Unicode ♎) is a constellation of the zodiac.
 Click for larger image | |
| List of stars in Libra | |
| Abbreviation: | Lib |
| Genitive: | Librae |
| Symbology: | the Scale |
| Right ascension: | 15 h |
| Declination: | −15° |
| Area: | 538 sq. deg. (29th) |
| Main stars: | 4, 6 |
| Bayer/Flamsteed stars: | 46 |
| Stars known to have planets: | 3 |
| Bright stars: | 2 |
| Nearby stars: | 2 |
| Brightest star: | Zubeneschamali (β Lib) (2.6m) |
| Nearest star: | HD 131977 (19.3 ly) |
| Messier objects: | 0 |
| Meteor showers: | May Librids |
| Bordering constellations: | Serpens Caput Virgo Hydra Centaurus (corner) Lupus Scorpius Ophiuchus |
| Visible at latitudes between +65° and −90° Best visible at 21:00 (9 p.m.) during the month of June | |
It lies between Virgo to the west and Scorpius to the east. It once represented the claws of Scorpius.
Some features
The brightest stars in Libra form a rectangle:
- α Librae, Zubenelgenubi ("southern claw"), a visual binary;
- β Librae, Zubeneschamali ("northern claw");
- γ Librae, Zubenelakrab ("scorpion's claw");
- σ Librae, Brachium an eclipsing variable.
α and β Librae are the scales' balance beam, and γ and σ are the weighing pans.
σ Librae was formerly known as γ Scorpii even though it is well inside the boundaries of Libra. It was not renamed as σ Librae until 1851 (by Benjamin A. Gould).
Libra (constellation) Media
The constellation Libra marked on a naked eye view.
Libra as depicted in Urania's Mirror, a set of constellation cards published in London c.1825
Libra constellation map
Globular Cluster NGC 5897
Color mappingThe sk
