Libra constellation
Libra is one of the 88 constellations, and it represents the scales. It is highest in the sky at midnight around 13 May, and its whole figure rises above the horizon from 65°N to 90°S.
Libra at a glance
- Represents
- the scales
- Highest at midnight
- 13 May
- Highest at 9 pm
- 26 June
- Seen whole from
- 65°N to 90°S
- Stars in the figure
- 5 stars
- Origin
- Ptolemy's list, 2nd century
- Zodiac sign
- Libra
When to see Libra
Libra is highest in the sky at midnight around 13 May and at 9 pm around 26 June. 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.
| Date | Highest at |
|---|---|
| 15 January | 7:40 am |
| 15 February | 5:40 am |
| 15 March | 3:50 am |
| 15 April | 1:50 am |
| 15 May | 11:50 pm |
| 15 June | 9:50 pm |
| 15 July | 7:50 pm |
| 15 August | 5:50 pm |
| 15 September | 3:40 pm |
| 15 October | 1:50 pm |
| 15 November | 11:40 am |
| 15 December | 9:50 am |
Where to look for Libra
From the northern hemisphere
From 40°N, Libra rises in the east and sets in the west. It is highest around midnight on 13 May, 33° above the southern horizon.
From the southern hemisphere
From 35°S, Libra rises in the east and sets in the west. It is highest around midnight on 13 May, 72° above the northern horizon.
Brightest stars in Libra
None of the stars of Libra 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 2.
Libra in myth and history
Greek astronomers saw these stars as the claws of the neighbouring scorpion. The Romans made them a separate constellation, the scales.
Libra is one of the 48 constellations that the astronomer Ptolemy listed in the 2nd century.
Libra and the zodiac
In 2026, the Sun is in front of the stars of Libra from 31 October to 23 November. The zodiac sign Libra covers other dates, because astrologers split the year into 12 equal signs that start at the March equinox.
Constellations next to Libra
Find Libra in your sky
Questions about Libra
Libra is highest in the sky at midnight around 13 May and at 9 pm around 26 June. The weeks around those dates are the best time to look.
The whole figure of Libra rises above the horizon from 65°N to 90°S, and at least part of it rises from 81°N to 90°S.
Libra represents the scales. Libra is one of the 48 constellations that the astronomer Ptolemy listed in the 2nd century.
Yes. The Sun is in front of Libra from 31 October to 23 November in 2026, and the zodiac sign Libra is named after it.