Page:Field Book of Stars.djvu/68

 SCORPIO (skôr'-pi-ō)—THE SCORPION. (Face South.)

—Scorpio, one of the signs of the Zodiac, is a beautiful star group, and one that is easily traced out. It lies just under the Serpent Bearer, between ../Sagittarius/ and ../Libra/.

The resemblance to a Scorpion is not difficult to see, hence this constellation is perhaps the most aptly named of any.

The ruddy star Antares, the brightest star in the constellation, is in the heart of the Scorpion. It lies about 40 degrees southwest of Ras Alhague, in Ophiuchus, and a little over 20 degrees west of the bow of ../Sagittarius/. The fact that it is the most brilliant star in this region of the sky renders its identity unmistakable.

There are several star clusters and double stars to be seen in this constellation. Their position is indicated in the diagram.

The curved tail of the Scorpion is very conspicuous. The stars Lesuth and Shaula are a striking pair and the fine clusters above them can be seen with the naked eye.

The ecliptic passes close to (β) Scorpii. A record of its occultation by the moon 295 B.C. is extant.

Note a pair just below (β). They are known as (ω¹) and (ω²)

Note a small pentagon, Antares being at one of its points, also a small "X" of stars just west of (π).

Scorpio is famous as the region of the sky where have appeared many of the brilliant temporary stars, the first one in astronomical annals being discovered in 134 B.C. 46