Scorpius is a constellation known as the Scorpion. It is called Scorpio in astrology, where it serves as one of the 12 signs of the zodiac (see Scorpio). Scorpius was among the 48 constellations defined by the ancient Greek mathematician Ptolemy. Today, it is one of the 88 constellations recognized by the International Astronomical Union, the leading authority in the naming of heavenly objects.
Scorpius sits in the southern sky between the constellations Libra and Sagittarius. It is best viewed around June through August. The sun passes through Scorpius for about a week in November.
As commonly drawn, Scorpius includes about 18 main stars. Most of these stars form a hook shape representing the scorpion’s body and tail. A crossbar of stars near the head suggests the scorpion’s arms and claws.
