Constellation Libra (Scales)
Properties
Libra is a small, less conspicuous ecliptic constellation and lies west of the prominent star formation around Antares. One can easily imagine the outstretched claws of the beautiful summer constellation Scorpio in the stars. With a little more imagination you can also recognize a beam balance. The area of the constellation is 538 square degrees and the centre culminates around midnight on May 9th. [9, 15]
| α2 Lib | Zuben Elgenubi, Zubenelgenubi, Kiffa Australis, Elkhiffa Australis |
| β Lib | Zuben Elschemali, Zuben Eschamali, Zuben El Chamali, Zubenesch, Zubenelg, Kiffa Borealis |
| γ Lib | Zuben Elakrab, Zuben Hakraki, Zuben El Hakrabi |
| δ Lib | Zuben Elakribi |
| σ Lib | Brachium, Cornu, Zuben El Genubi, Zuban Al Akrab, Zuben Hakrabi |
| IAU Name | Libra |
| IAU Genitive | Librae |
| IAU Abbr. | Lib |
| English Name | Scales |
| Culmination at local midnight | 12 May |
| Season (Latitude +46.8°) | February … September |
| Right Ascension (J2000.0) | 14h 21m 38s … 16h 02m 17s |
| Declination (J2000.0) | -29° 59' 42" … +00° 28' 27" |
| Area | 538 deg2 |
| Neighbours (N↻) | Ser, Vir, Hya, Cen, Lup, Sco, Oph |
Deep-Sky Object Descriptions
Catalogues
Mythology and History
The ancient Greeks still counted the area where the constellation Libra is today to Scorpius and saw Scorpio's claws here. This is where the Arabic star names come from. During Julius Caesar's lifetime, the Romans separated into this area and formed the independent constellation and zodiac sign Libra. This happened in honor of Julius Caesar because of his contribution to the reform of the Roman calendar and his proverbial justice. The scales are seen as a symbol of justice and are held up by Astraea, the goddess of law. A legend connects Astraea with the neighboring constellation Virgo. [7, 21, 59]
