The Scorpion in the Night Sky
Scorpius is a prominent constellation located in the southern hemisphere near the center of the Milky Way. Easily recognizable due to its bright star Antares, Scorpius is named after the mythical scorpion sent to kill Orion.
Illustration of Scorpius
Key Stars in Scorpius
- Antares: The heart of the scorpion, a red supergiant.
- Shaula: The scorpion's stinger, marking the tail.
- Graffias: Also known as Beta Scorpii, a multiple star system in the constellation.
Legend and Mythology
In Greek mythology, Scorpius was the creature that fatally stung Orion. To honor this tale, both Orion and Scorpius were placed in the sky on opposite sides, ensuring they never appear in the sky at the same time.