Antares (α Sco)
Antares (α Sco) is a double star in the constellation Scorpius, magnitude 1.0.
The red supergiant heart of Scorpius; its greenish companion is a challenge close to the glare. Its components (magnitudes 1.0 and 5.4) lie 2.7″ apart at PA 277° (measured 2019).
When and where to see it
It is best placed in the evening sky around June, when it crosses the meridian at about 10 pm local time (around midnight in May). It can be seen from everywhere south of 64°N and never sets south of 64°S.
At its highest it stands 14° up from 50°N, 29° up from 35°N, 64° up from the equator, 81° up from 35°S.
Facts
- Type
- Double star
- Constellation
- Scorpius
- Designations
- α Sco, Alpha Scorpii, 21 Sco, 21 Scorpii, GNT 1, HIP 80763
- Magnitude
- 1.0
- Position
- RA 16h 29.4m, Dec −26° 26′ (J2000)
Open AstroPilot to see when Antares (α Sco) is highest tonight from your location, how easy it is with your telescope or binoculars, and an eyepiece view.