Scorpius (The Scorpion)

Zodiac constellation near the galactic center, anchored by the red supergiant Antares, the rival of Mars.

Core Principles & Analysis

• Antares is so large that, placed at the Sun's position, its surface would extend beyond the orbit of Mars.
• It contains Scorpius X-1, the first X-ray source discovered outside the Solar System, found by rocket flight in 1962.
• The Sun spends less than a week each year within its boundaries, the shortest solar transit of any zodiac constellation.

Specifications & Metrics

• BRIGHTEST STAR: Antares (α Sco)
• HEMISPHERE: Southern
• BEST VIEWED: July