Constellation Scorpius (Scorpion)
Date:
Southern Hemisphere
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Scorpion
Scorpius
Since the constellation of the Scorpion (lat. Scorpius) is connected to the ecliptic, it is one of the twelve Signs of the Zodiac. In the form of the animal of the same name, it stretches 497 square degrees in the southern hemisphere.
How to spot Scorpius
The winding chain of bright stars can be seen throughout the year, but best in late May. To the north of the constellation you can find Ophiuchus, to the west Libra, to the south Ara and to the east Corona Australis and Sagittarius.
Mythology
In the Greek mythology there are many different narratives. In one, Artemis is said to have sent the scorpion to kill Orion. The hunter Orion intended to kill all the wild animals, which displeased the Goddess of the Hunt. According to another transmission, it was Apollon, who sent the scorpion, but for other reasons: In jealousy, he wanted to kill his friend Orion, as Artemis was attracted to him.
Interesting Facts
In Sumerian times, the constellation was associated with Išḫara, the Goddess of War. The pre-Columbian Latin American people, already associated the constellation with a scorpion, including Ptolemy, who introduced Scorpius in his description of the 48 constellations of antiquity.