Hobbies And Interests
Instructions
Locate a spot where you can search for Scorpius without hindrance from trees, houses or other objects that may block your view of the horizon. The scorpion constellation never rises very high in the sky due to its location, making this of paramount importance when trying to find the star group.
Go outside to this spot during the summer on a moonless evening and face to the south. A good time during the summer to see the scorpion is from July 7 through July 23, between 10 and 11 o'clock at night, according to "Discover the Stars."
Look close to the horizon for what will easily be the brightest star in the sky. This is Antares, a star with a reddish tint to it. If Antares were our Sun, it would stretch well beyond Earth's orbit. The massive Antares marks the heart of Scorpius -- a constellation that more closely resembles the creature it represents than any other does. There are no bright stars even remotely near Antares. The inconspicuous constellations Libra, Ophiuchus, Lupus and Serpens are its celestial neighbors.
Glance to the left of Antares and downward to identify the tail end of the scorpion. The stars align to form what looks like either a fish hook or the letter "J," depending upon your point of view. Much of this part of Scorpius lies within the Milky Way, meaning it has star clusters and a hazy appearance to it.
Observe to the right of Antares and you will see what appears to be the head and the two claws of Scorpius. The claws, formed by a pair of sets of three stars that each creates a "V" in the sky, belong to the constellation Libra. The Romans decided to add this portion of Scorpius to the rest of the stars comprising Libra in their attempt to form a set of heavenly scales.