How to See the Constellation Scorpius
The constellation Scorpius is one of the easiest to see in the night sky during the summer. No telescope needed here: you can see Scorpius with the naked eye, although binoculars can help bring the scorpion to life.
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Instructions
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Find the constellation Scorpius on your planisphere before you go outside. A planisphere can be purchased specifically for your location on Earth and will make finding any constellation easier.
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Wait for a clear July evening since Scorpius is most easily seen during this month.
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Use the planisphere to make sure you are looking in the correct direction for your longitude and latitude.
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Look first for Antares, the heart of the scorpion. Antares is aptly named: it is a red giant seen easily in the sky, and it sits directly in the middle of the scorpion.
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Trace the line of Scorpius' tail south from Antares.
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Find Scorpius' arms going in the opposite direction from Antares.
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Tips & Warnings
The constellation Scorpius is in different places in the sky depending on where you live. Those in the Northern Hemisphere can see the constellation in the southern sky close to the horizon, while those living in the Southern Hemisphere can see it high in the night sky.
Advanced astronomers can view a number of globular clusters throughout the constellation Scorpius. Some of these globular clusters can be seen with binoculars; others require a telescope.
