Scorpio Constellation – Data and History – My Sky Map

The Scorpio Constellation is part of the zodiac constellations and is one of the oldest known, known to the Sumerians around 5,000 years ago.

Firstly, it ranks 33rd in terms of size out of the 88 catalogued, with Antares being its most prominent star.

Find out how to locate the constellation in the sky, as well as information about its stars and the history of the Scorpio Constellation.

Scorpio constellation – how to locate

It is located in the southern hemisphere, right in the center of the Milky Way. Due to this factor, combined with its size, it becomes easier to find it in our sky!

In Brazil, it is mainly located in autumn and winter, when the Earth’s translational movement makes it more visible to us.

Read too:
5 deserts around the world for stargazing

Because its main stars are arranged like a scorpion’s tail or scissors, when we trace the linear trajectory between its stars, even beginner astronomy lovers can find it.

If you can’t find it or feel more comfortable with a little help, we have an article on how to locate stars in the sky and on a star map, including suggestions for the best apps to see the sky.

Stars of the Scorpio Constellation

The brightest star in the Scorpio Constellation is Antares, a red supergiant that is the 16th brightest in the entire sky.

In fact, it has a mass almost 800 times greater than the Sun, being around 10,000 times brighter!

Antares is located in the heart of the scorpion, with its name translating as “anti-Ares” or “like Mars”, referring to the similarity of the star’s red hue to the planet Mars.

Secondly, there is the multiple star Shaula, the second brightest in the constellation and the 25th brightest in the sky. This star is located in the supposed tail of the scorpion.

Stars of the Brazilian flag

Did you know that the stars on the Brazilian flag, in addition to representing the Brazilian states… are also representations of different constellations?

For example, the Scorpio Constellation was awarded the largest number of stars representing the Brazilian states: eight in total.

Therefore, its stars on the Brazilian flag are:

Antares – Piauí Graffias – Maranhão Wei – Ceará Shaula – Rio Grande do Norte Girtab – Paraíba Denebakrab – Pernambuco Sargas – Alagoas Apollyon – Sergipe

However, it’s good to remember that they are out of real proportion and without representation of their apparent magnitude, ok?

History of the Scorpio Constellation

Another important fact about the Scorpio Constellation are the legends or myths that revolve around it.

Previously, we mentioned in the article The mysticism of stars and constellations in History the importance that astronomy had in ancient times.

In this way, the constellations were almost always associated with a tale from Greek Mythology: thus generating their imaginary forms and consequently their nomenclatures.

In the case of this constellation, it could not be different. In fact, the story that inspired the celestial scorpion is quite interesting.

In short, mythology tells that Orion (a giant hunter) is kidnapped and taken to the island of Delos by the goddess Aurora (personification of dawn), who is enchanted by his beauty.

As a result, he would have competed in discus (an Olympic sport) with another goddess, Diana (synonymous with Artemis in Greek Mythology), who defeats him and brings a scorpion from the earth to give him a deadly sting.

Interestingly, the Scorpio Constellation disappears in the sky when the Orion Constellation comes into view, suggesting that he is eternally running away from the one who stung him.

In short, there are other versions to tell the story of the constellation, but always making a connection with the famous hunter and the fearsome creature that pursued him.

Read too:
Constellations of signs and Greek Mythology

Scorpion sign

At a certain point, Astronomy and Astrology, which had always been considered one thing, separated.

The belief that certain periods of the year in which the stars were seen in the sky not only influenced the harvest or directed navigators is very old.

Likewise, individuals who were born at certain times of the year could have their characteristics and actions revealed more easily if their birth charts were analyzed.

Therefore, the Zodiac Constellations were divided into periods throughout the year and then the zodiac signs were created.

Therefore, those born under the direct influence of the constellation are Scorpio and would have as a common characteristic their dedication and strong intuition, for example.

Learn more about the personality of the signs!

Present and Constellation

Evidently, you love astronomy. And we too!

That’s why we at created pictures with the star map of a special moment for you: it could be the day you proposed, your wedding day, and even your birthday or that of someone you like!

Through reliable space catalogs, we are able to reproduce what the sky was like on a given date, immortalizing moments.

Additionally, you can personalize it with a love phrase or excerpts from international songs, for example.

If you want some ideas, we have articles that bring these phrases together in one place:

Did you like the information about the Scorpio Constellation?
So, may the stars always guide you along the best path – and may that path be love.