What it looks like
Libra is a faint zodiac constellation in the southern celestial hemisphere, drawn as a balance scale. Its two brightest stars sit at either end of the beam, and the constellation lies between Virgo and Scorpius along the ecliptic.
Brightest stars
Libra has no first-magnitude stars; its brightest pair, Zubeneschamali and Zubenelgenubi, sit in the third-magnitude range.
| Star | Magnitude | Distance | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zubeneschamali (β Librae) | +2.61 | 185 ly | Northern Claw |
| Zubenelgenubi (α Librae) | +2.75 | 75 ly | Southern Claw |
| Brachium (σ Librae) | +3.29 | 288 ly | Arm |
| Gamma Librae | +3.91 | 152 ly | — |
Mythology and history
In Greek myth, Libra represents the scales of justice held by Astraea, the goddess of justice who became the constellation Virgo.
Scales of Astraea
Libra was originally part of Scorpius, forming the scorpion's claws. The Romans were the first to separate it into its own constellation, associating it with the scales of justice held by Astraea. When she fled the corrupt earth and was placed in the sky as Virgo, her scales were set beside her as Libra.
Babylonian origins
Babylonian astronomers called this region 'ZIB.BA.AN.NA' — the balance of heaven — and linked it to the autumn equinox, which occurred here roughly 2,000 years ago before precession shifted it into Virgo.
How to find it
Look between Virgo to the west and Scorpius to the east, with the bright star Antares as a landmark to guide you.
- Find Antares in Scorpius first — Libra sits just to its northwest.
- Zubeneschamali has a subtle greenish tint, unusual among bright stars.
- Best on late spring and summer evenings from both hemispheres.
Key facts
- Abbreviation
- Lib
- Genitive
- Librae
- Meaning
- The Scales
- Brightest star
- Zubeneschamali
- Main stars
- 4
- Area rank
- 29th
- Best visible
- June
- Declination
- -15°
- Meteor showers
- May Librids
- Neighbours
- Serpens, Virgo, Hydra, Centaurus, Lupus, Scorpius, Ophiuchus
Deep-sky objects
Libra contains few bright deep-sky objects. Gliese 581, a red dwarf about 20 light-years away, was once thought to host potentially habitable planets. NGC 5897 is a globular cluster visible in small telescopes.
Frequently asked questions
What does the constellation Libra look like?
Libra is a zodiac constellation known as the Scales, marked by two moderately bright stars with Arabic names meaning 'northern claw' and 'southern claw'.
What is the brightest star in Libra?
The brightest star in Libra is Zubeneschamali, shining at around magnitude 2.61.
When is Libra best visible?
Libra is best seen from both hemispheres during June.
What is the story behind Libra?
In Greek myth, Libra represents the scales of justice held by Astraea, the goddess of justice who became the constellation Virgo.
Which constellations are near Libra?
Libra borders Serpens, Virgo, Hydra, Centaurus, Lupus, Scorpius and Ophiuchus.
Virgo
Scorpius