Scutum constellation

Scutum is one of the 88 constellations, and it represents the shield. It is highest in the sky at midnight around 28 June, and its whole figure rises above the horizon from 74°N to 86°S.

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Scutum at a glance

Represents
the shield
Highest at midnight
28 June
Highest at 9 pm
11 August
Seen whole from
74°N to 86°S
Stars in the figure
10 stars
Origin
Johannes Hevelius, 1690

When to see Scutum

Scutum is highest in the sky at midnight around 28 June and at 9 pm around 11 August. Each month it is highest about two hours earlier than the month before.

The times are local solar time. Clocks on summer time or daylight saving time read about one hour later.

When Scutum is highest each month
DateHighest at
15 January10:40 AM
15 February8:40 AM
15 March6:50 AM
15 April4:50 AM
15 May2:50 AM
15 June12:50 AM
15 July10:50 PM
15 August8:50 PM
15 September6:40 PM
15 October4:50 PM
15 November2:40 PM
15 December12:50 PM

Where to look for Scutum

From the northern hemisphere

From 40°N, Scutum rises in the east and sets in the west. It is highest around midnight on 28 June, 41° above the southern horizon.

From the southern hemisphere

From 35°S, Scutum rises in the east and sets in the west. It is highest around midnight on 28 June, 64° above the northern horizon.

Brightest stars in Scutum

None of the stars of Scutum is brighter than magnitude 2.3, so it is best seen from a dark place away from city lights. Its brightest stick-figure stars are about magnitude 3.

Scutum in myth and history

The astronomer Johannes Hevelius added Scutum in his star atlas of 1690.

Constellations next to Scutum

Find Scutum in your sky

Questions about Scutum