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Stars and Sticks| Abbreviation | Sco |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Scorpion |
| Pronunciation Guide is based on “Pronouncing Astronomical Names,” published in 1943 by the American Astronomical Society. | SCOR-pee-us |
| Genitive The genitive is the Latin possessive form used in star names. For example, Alpha Orionis means “the Alpha of Orion.” | SKOR-pee-eye |
| Best Month | July |
| Visibility | Global |
| Origin | AncientThese figures are rooted in the classical Greek and Mesopotamian traditions cataloged by Ptolemy in the 2nd century AD. |
| Author | PtolemyPtolemy, a 2nd-century Greco-Egyptian astronomer, cataloged the 48 classical constellations in his landmark work, the Almagest. These form the core of the 88 modern constellations recognized today. |
| Type | constellation |
| Difficulty | Easiest |
| Description | The Scorpion is one of the most spectacular constellations — a genuine scorpion shape unmistakable in the summer sky with its curved stinging tail. Sent by Gaia to kill the boastful hunter Orion, it succeeded — which is why the two are on opposite sides of the sky, Scorpius rising as Orion sets. The heart of the scorpion is marked by Antares — a red supergiant so enormous it would extend beyond the orbit of Mars if placed at our Sun's position, about 700 light-years away. The name 'Antares' means 'rival of Mars' in Greek, a reference to its striking reddish color. The constellation contains numerous spectacular globular clusters and is one of the richest regions of the Milky Way. |
| Asterism | The Fishhook: A long, curved tail of stars ending in a distinct 'hook' shape. |
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Monthly sky charts courtesy of What's Out Tonight? — Copyright ©2026 Ken Graun. Star charts are optimized for mid-latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere. Click a chart to view or download the PDF. For guidance on using the chart, or to purchase a planisphere and astronomy books, visit kenpress.com.
Images: NOIRLab/NSF/AURA/E. Slawik · IAU and Sky & Telescope · Stellarium — Full credits →
