Scorpius constellation
Scorpius is one of the 88 constellations, and it represents the scorpion. It is highest in the sky at midnight around 5 June, and its whole figure rises above the horizon from 47°N to 90°S.
When to see Scorpius
Scorpius is highest in the sky at midnight around 5 June and at 9 pm around 20 July. 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 | 9:10 am |
| 15 February | 7:10 am |
| 15 March | 5:20 am |
| 15 April | 3:20 am |
| 15 May | 1:20 am |
| 15 June | 11:20 pm |
| 15 July | 9:20 pm |
| 15 August | 7:20 pm |
| 15 September | 5:10 pm |
| 15 October | 3:20 pm |
| 15 November | 1:10 pm |
| 15 December | 11:20 am |
Where to look for Scorpius
From the northern hemisphere
From 40°N, Scorpius rises in the east and sets in the west. It is highest around midnight on 5 June, 16° above the southern horizon.
From the southern hemisphere
From 35°S, Scorpius rises in the east and sets in the west. It is highest around midnight on 5 June, almost overhead.
Brightest stars in Scorpius
Scorpius in myth and history
In Greek myth, this is the scorpion that killed Orion. The two were placed on opposite sides of the sky, so they are never high at the same time.
Scorpius is one of the 48 constellations that the astronomer Ptolemy listed in the 2nd century.
Scorpius and the zodiac
In 2026, the Sun is in front of the stars of Scorpius from 24 November to 30 November. The zodiac sign Scorpio covers other dates, because astrologers split the year into 12 equal signs that start at the March equinox.
Constellations next to Scorpius
Find Scorpius in your sky
Questions about Scorpius
Scorpius is highest in the sky at midnight around 5 June and at 9 pm around 20 July. The weeks around those dates are the best time to look.
The whole figure of Scorpius rises above the horizon from 47°N to 90°S, and at least part of it rises from 70°N to 90°S.
Antares is the brightest star in Scorpius, at magnitude 1.06.
Scorpius represents the scorpion. Scorpius is one of the 48 constellations that the astronomer Ptolemy listed in the 2nd century.
Yes. The Sun is in front of Scorpius from 24 November to 30 November in 2026, and the zodiac sign Scorpio is named after it.