This week, UK stargazers face a unique challenge: spotting Scorpius, one of the twelve zodiacal constellations, in our southern skies. The mythical Scorpion's elusive presence has long fascinated astronomers and enthusiasts alike, making its observation a true test of patience and clear conditions.
According to ancient mythology, Scorpius holds a significant role as the creature dispatched to vanquish Orion, the hunter. This legendary rivalry dictates their celestial placement; as Scorpius ascends, Orion has already descended, ensuring these two prominent constellations are never seen together in the night sky.
For those in the UK, observing the entire constellation can be a challenge due to its low position on the horizon, meaning only parts of the Scorpion may be discernible. On the evening of 24 July, specifically around 11pm BST from a London vantage point looking low to the south, the constellation will be in roughly the same area all week.
A key feature of Scorpius is Antares, a prominent red-orange star that signifies the Scorpion's heart. On 24 July, a bright waxing gibbous moon will be positioned close to Antares, potentially aiding its detection. Its striking, ruby-like colour is often admired, though from the UK, the star's low altitude means it is viewed through a thicker layer of the atmosphere, causing it to appear to twinkle.
Antares, whose name translates to 'rival of Mars', aptly describes its reddish hue. In astronomical terms, Antares is a red supergiant star, significantly larger than our own sun and nearing the conclusion of its stellar life cycle. Its presence offers a glimpse into the vastness and dynamism of the universe.