Scutum constellation

Scutum is one of the 88 constellations, and it represents the shield. It is highest in the sky at midnight around June 28, 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
June 28
Highest at 9 pm
August 11
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 June 28 and at 9 pm around August 11. Each month it is highest about two hours earlier than the month before.

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

When Scutum is highest each month
DateHighest at
January 1510:40 a.m.
February 158:40 a.m.
March 156:50 a.m.
April 154:50 a.m.
May 152:50 a.m.
June 1512:50 a.m.
July 1510:50 p.m.
August 158:50 p.m.
September 156:40 p.m.
October 154:50 p.m.
November 152:40 p.m.
December 1512:50 p.m.

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 June 28, 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 June 28, 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

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Questions about Scutum