Libra constellation
Libra is one of the 88 constellations, and it represents the scales. It is highest in the sky at midnight around May 13, and its whole figure rises above the horizon from 65°N to 90°S.
Libra at a glance
- Represents
- the scales
- Highest at midnight
- May 13
- Highest at 9 pm
- June 26
- 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 May 13 and at 9 pm around June 26. 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 |
|---|---|
| January 15 | 7:40 AM |
| February 15 | 5:40 AM |
| March 15 | 3:50 AM |
| April 15 | 1:50 AM |
| May 15 | 11:50 PM |
| June 15 | 9:50 PM |
| July 15 | 7:50 PM |
| August 15 | 5:50 PM |
| September 15 | 3:40 PM |
| October 15 | 1:50 PM |
| November 15 | 11:40 AM |
| December 15 | 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 May 13, 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 May 13, 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 October 31 to November 23. 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 May 13 and at 9 pm around June 26. 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 October 31 to November 23 in 2026, and the zodiac sign Libra is named after it.