When can you see the constellation Libra? Astronomy. Multiple system of the constellation under study

The night sky has been of interest to man since ancient times. Each of his drawings has its own story. Today our focus is on Libra, a constellation that is part of the zodiac circle and contains many interesting objects.

Not the most noticeable

Many celestial drawings used in drawing up horoscopes are quite clearly visible. The constellation Libra is not one of them. The luminaries that make it up are mostly dim. Its two brightest points, alpha and beta, belong to the second magnitude. The remaining luminaries are poorly visible to an observer not armed with a telescope. Libra, one might say, is on the border between the bright zodiacal constellations of the Northern Hemisphere and the inconspicuous ones located in the Southern.

Part of Scorpio

Libra is a constellation that is somewhat younger than its other horoscope companions. Initially it was part of Scorpio, and only in the 2nd century BC. e. became separate. In the period preceding this, the constellation was depicted either in the form of an altar, or as a lamp, or as scales itself. Moreover, these objects were placed in the claws of Scorpio. There is, however, an opinion that Libra was perceived as a separate constellation already in the ancient Sumerian civilization.

If we turn to antiquity, this celestial drawing is found on the pages of Ptolemy’s famous treatise “Almagest”. There it is called “Scorpion Claws”. In parallel with this designation of a group of stars, there was a separate name “Libra”, which was part of the zodiac and came to Greece from Asia.

The late appearance of this celestial pattern is also associated with the fact that it represents the only inanimate object among the astrological signs. The origin of Libra today is evidenced by the preserved names of its two bright stars, translated meaning “southern and northern claw.”

Legendary

Libra is a zodiac sign, a constellation symbolizing harmony. Many legends of the ancient world are associated with it. In Ancient Greece, scales were considered an attribute of the goddess Themis, the wife of the thunderer Zeus, who ensured the observance of justice in the world. The image we are familiar with today includes a blindfold and a sword. It is believed that the latter attribute is the result of the influence of Roman culture. The Greek Themis always held in her hand not a sword, but scales and a cornucopia, in order to fairly distribute rewards. According to legend, Zeus immortalized his wife's instrument by placing it in the sky.

There is another version of the origin of the constellation. In it, Libra is associated with the name of the Roman emperor Augustus the Just. After his death, the people, grateful to the ruler for his kindness, wished to place a constellation in the sky in his honor. For this purpose, Scorpio was “curtailed” and a symbol of equality and justice shone between him and Virgo.

Beta

The stars in the constellation Libra are quite dim. However, there are also noteworthy objects here. The brightest point of the picture is the “Zuben el Shemali” (“northern claw”), or beta Libra. The star is a blue-white main sequence dwarf.

Beta Libra rotates 100 times faster than the Sun. The star's simple spectrum allows scientists to actively use it to obtain information about the interstellar medium.

There is a mystery associated with the Northern Claw. According to Ptolemy and Eratosthenes, Beta Libra shone much brighter in Antiquity. Astronomers do not yet understand what causes the decrease in luminosity.

Alpha

The second brightest point of this celestial pattern is alpha Libra. It is called "Tooth Elgenubi" ("southern claw"). This is a multiple star system, the main component of which is a hot blue star. The satellite is located at a fairly impressive distance from it. It is defined as a yellowish star with a proper motion similar to that of its companion. It is not entirely clear whether the luminaries are physically connected. The reason to doubt this is the enormous distance (140 times further than from the Sun to Pluto) separating them. If the stars are connected, then their orbital period must exceed 200 thousand years.

The brighter component of the proposed system is also a binary star. Its components are located very close to each other, and therefore are poorly distinguishable. The distance between them is almost equal to the path from the Sun to Mercury.

Gamma

Libra is a constellation with more than one multiple system. The third brightest star consists of several components. This is the Libra scale, also called "Zuben el Aqrab" ("scorpio claw"). The brightest element of the system is the orange giant. Its diameter exceeds that of the Sun by 14 times. Gamma Libra is ahead of the center of our planetary system both in mass and luminosity (2.5 and 71 times, respectively). To date, the exact age of this space object remains a mystery. According to various estimates, it ranges from 1 to 3.9 billion years.

The second companion is located a short distance from the first and is somewhat dimmer than it. Presumably, it consists of two stars.

Planetary system

Libra is a constellation that includes a star around which planets suitable for life may possibly revolve. This is Gliese-581 or Wolf-562, a red dwarf star 20.4 light years away from the Sun. It is included in the list of one hundred stars closest to us.

In 2010, the planetary system Gliese 581 was thought to contain 6 objects. Three of them, according to scientists. were located in an area suitable for life. Conditions on such planets are suitable for the existence of liquid water and life in the form familiar to us. However, studies in subsequent years gave conflicting results. Some of them refuted the possibility of the existence of some planets, while others confirmed it. Among astronomers today there is no consensus on this issue.

The constellation Libra is small and inconspicuous, but in its vastness there are a lot of interesting objects. Ancient astronomers and compilers of horoscopes turned their attention to it, and it is not deprived of attention in our days. The constellation Libra in the sky is thus the object of many scientific studies.

Constellation Libra

Scales- zodiac constellation lying between Scorpio and Virgo. Contains 83 stars visible to the naked eye. The Sun is in the constellation from October 31 to November 22. The most favorable visibility conditions are in April-May. Fully observed in the central and southern regions of Russia. The number of stars brighter than 6.0m is 50.

First classification - Yerke classification taking into account luminosity (ICC). An additional factor influencing the appearance of the spectrum is the density of the outer layers of the star, which in turn depends on its mass and density, that is, ultimately, on its luminosity. SrII, BaII, FeII, TiII are especially strongly affected by luminosity, which leads to differences in the spectra of giant stars and dwarfs of the same Harvard spectral classes. The dependence of the type of spectrum on luminosity is reflected in the newer Yerkes classification, developed at the Yerkes Observatory by W. Morgan, F. Keenan and E. Kelman, also called the ICC after the initials of its authors. In accordance with this classification, the star is assigned a Harvard spectral class and luminosity class:

Second classification - Basic (Harvard) spectral classification, developed at the Harvard Observatory in 1890-1924, is a temperature classification based on the type and relative intensity of the absorption and emission lines of the spectra of stars. Within the class, stars are divided into subclasses from 0 (hottest) to 9 (coldest). The Sun has a spectral class of G2 and an equivalent photosphere temperature of 5780 K.

Stars of the constellation Libra

Zuben el Shemali \ Beta Libra (β Lib) is a blue-white dwarf. The historical name is Zuben el Shemali. Hot main sequence dwarf star B8 V. Temperature - 11,000 Kelvin. it rotates almost 100 times faster than the Sun. It is located 159.9 light years from Earth. The star's slight periodic changes imply the presence of a companion star that is not visible from Earth.

Zuben Elgenubi \ Alpha Libra (α Lib) is a multiple system. Distance to Earth 77.11 sv. years. The system components are located at a distance of at least 5500 a.m. from each other. That is, almost 140 times greater than the distance from the Sun to Pluto. Historical name - Zuben Elgenubi - the second brightest star. α 1 is a hot blue star F3V. Temperature - 8900 K.

Alpha 2 Libra - The brighter α2 is itself a binary star A3IV. The star has a yellowish satellite. They are separated from each other by less than the Sun from Mercury. Temperature 8500 K.

Zuben Elakribi\ Delta Libra (δ Lib) is a multiple system. Historical name Zuben Elakribi. The star is an Algol-type eclipsing variable. The star is a hot white star A0V, the second star is an orange subgiant K0IV. There is also a third component, star G9V. Distance to Earth 303.9 sv. of the year. Its temperature is 10,000K.

Zubenalgubi\ Sigma Libra (σ Lib) is a pulsating variable star of the SRb type. A popular historical name is Zuben Hakrabi. This star is a red giant M4III. The star is in the final stage of stellar evolution. It is located at 291.4 St. years from Earth. Temperature - 3600K. And the radius is 110 times greater than the solar one.

Zuben el Akrab\ Gamma Libra (γ Lib / γ Librae) is a multiple star system. Historical name Zuben el Aqrab. The main star is the orange giant K0III. Diameter - 14 solar masses. Its mass is estimated to be approximately 2.5 solar. The star has a companion G8III. The companion itself is possibly a double star. Distance to Earth 152.1 sv. years (46.63 pc). Its temperature is 4700K.

Theta Libra(θ Lib) is an orange giant K0III. It is located at a distance of about 162.7 sv. years (50 parsecs) from Earth. It is about 84% larger than the Sun. Its temperature is 4700K.

48 Libra(HD 142983 / HR 5491 / HIP 78207) - blue giant B5III. Gas has been discovered around the star and it rotates at a speed of 393 km/s. Due to its rapid rotation, the star is not spherical, but elongated. Its temperature is 17,645 K. It is about 3 times larger than the Sun. This star is also a variable FX Librae.4. The best viewing time is from May to October in both hemispheres. The star is located at a distance of 512.2 light years and is moving away from the Sun.

Tau Libra(τ Lib) is a blue-white dwarf star B2.5V. The star is located 444.4 light years away. It is 3.2 times larger than the Sun. And its temperature is 20,000 K.

Deep space objects in the constellation Libra

Star clusters

NGC 5897 - globular cluster type XI. NGC 5897 is located at a distance of 40,772 light years. years from Earth. First discoverer William Herschel 03/10/1785 Size in diameter - 130 cm. years.

Galaxies

NGC 5792 - barred spiral galaxy (SBb). First discoverer William Herschel 04/11/1787 It is located at a distance of about 83 million sv. years. Photographic magnitude mB is 12.1. Redshift +0.006448 ± 0.000090. Visible dimensions 6.8" x 1.7"

NGC 5885- barred spiral galaxy (SBc). First discoverer William Herschel 06/09/1784 Visible dimensions 3.5" x 3.1". Photographic magnitude mB is 12.5. Redshift +0.006678 ± 0.000010.

NGC 5915- barred spiral galaxy (SBab). The first discoverer was John Herschel. 07/05/1836 Visible dimensions 1.6" x 1.1". Photographic magnitude mB is 13.1. Redshift +0.007609 ± 0.000127.

NGC 5916- barred spiral galaxy (SBa/P). The first discoverer was John Herschel. 07/05/1836. Visible dimensions 2.8" × 0.9". Photographic magnitude mB is 14.2. Redshift +0.007492 ± 0.000123.

NGC 5916A- barred spiral galaxy (SBc/P). The first discoverer was John Herschel. 07/05/1836 Visible dimensions 1.1" × 0.3". Photographic magnitude mB is 15.1.

NGC 5756- barred spiral galaxy (SBbc). The first discoverer was John Herschel. 07/05/1836 Visible dimensions 2.8" x 1.3". Photographic magnitude mB is 13.1. Redshift +0.007138 ± 0.000033.

NGC 5890- transition class of galaxy (S0-a). In galaxies of this class, an emerging spiral structure is observed in the envelope. First discoverer of Ormond Stone. 04.1785 Visible dimensions 1.3" x 1.0". Photographic magnitude mB 13.7

Compatibility horoscope: what the zodiac sign Libra looks like in the sky - the most complete description, only proven theories based on astrological observations of several millennia.

There are many myths associated with the dozen constellations of zodiac signs in the sky. Many believe that being born under one sign or another determines the characteristics of a person’s character and life path. And very often people are interested in why only these constellations were chosen as patrons of people being born.

Zodiac constellations and zodiac signs

The Sun and Moon make their annual journey across the sky along a certain path. And in a year they pass through 12 constellations, which were called the constellations of the zodiac signs. An ordinary horoscope compares a person’s date of birth with the passage through the zodiacal constellation of the Sun, but there is also a lunar horoscope that compares a person’s birthday with the position of the earth’s satellite in the sky.

It is worth noting that dates were initially marked with the help of zodiacal constellations, because... it was just a calendar. The passage of the Sun through one zodiac sign was approximately a month. Today, the beginning of entering a new zodiac sign has shifted - it falls on the first days of the third trimester of the month. This happened because the point of the equinox (spring) gradually shifts - by 1 degree over 70 years.

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Libra (constellation)

Scales(lat. Libra) - zodiacal constellation lying between Scorpio And Virgo. Contains 83 stars visible to the naked eye. Constellation Libra- one of the most prominent constellations Zodiac, despite the fact that only five of its stars are brighter than 4th magnitude. Sun is in the constellation from October 31 to November 24. The most favorable visibility conditions are in April - May.

click on the image to enlarge it

Zuben el Shemali (β Lib) - 2.61 m
Zuben el Genoubi (α Lib) - 2.75 m

Snake (head)
Ophiuchus
Scorpion
Hydra
Centaurus (angle)

The best time for observation is April, May.

Initially, the stars of the constellation were part of Scorpio. As an independent constellation in the ancient tradition, it took shape quite late, around the 2nd century BC. e.. However, mentions of Libra are found earlier, for example, and Arat of Soli writes about the constellation in the poem “Appearances and Predictions” (III century BC). However, even in the 1st century BC, Virgil proposes to create a new constellation in this place, dedicated to the Emperor Augustus, cutting down the constellation Scorpio.

During the period when the constellation was established as an independent constellation, the name “Claws” was used for it: the claws of the constellation Scorpio were meant. During this period, the corresponding group of stars was sometimes interpreted as an asterism, sometimes as a constellation. In particular, in Ptolemy's Almagest the constellation is described as a separate constellation "Claw". At the same time, the name “Libra” was used for the corresponding zodiac sign, probably of Asian Minor origin. This name becomes commonly used for the constellation around the 1st century BC. e.. Libra is the only constellation of the zodiac that represents an inanimate object. Researchers believe that this is due precisely to the late formation of the constellation.

According to some authors, in the beginning the constellation represented an altar; then it was depicted as an altar, a lamp, but usually as scales grasped in the claws of Scorpio or with the claws of Scorpio lying on the scales; later the claws “let go of the prey” and shortened. Until now, the stars α and β Libra are called the Southern and Northern Claws.

Ancient mythologists considered the constellation an attribute of Themis, Demeter or Nemesis ascended to heaven.

The brightest stars in the constellation form a rectangle:

* α Libra, Zuben el Genubi (“Southern Claw”) - visual double with gloss components 5.15m, 2.75m

* β Libra, Zuben el Shemali, (“Northern Claw”);

* γ Libra, Zuben el Akrab ("Scorpion's Claw");

* δ Libra is an eclipsing variable star, changing brightness from 4.8 to 6.0 magnitude with a period of 2.3 days;

* σ Libra, semi-regular variable star.

α and β Libra represent the "yoke" of the scales, and γ and σ the "bowls".

* Gliese 581, a red dwarf with four planets, one of them - (Gliese 581 d - (eng. Gliese 581d)) is located in the habitable zone of this star and belongs to the Super-Earth class. Due to the fact that the planet is located inside the habitable zone, liquid water can exist on it, and therefore life in the form that Earth scientists understand. This made the planet an object of intense study. On October 9, 2008, an AMFE radio message was sent to the star Gliese 581, and an HFE radio message was sent on August 28, 2009.

Constellation Libra from the Atlas "Uranographia" by J. E. Bode (Berlin 1801)

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Constellation Libra from the Atlas "Urania's Mirror" (London, 1825)

Libra, the zodiac sign)

Scales(Latin libra) - the seventh sign of the zodiac, corresponding to the ecliptic sector from 180° to 210°, counting from the vernal equinox. Venus is considered the patron planet of the sign of Libra.

In Western astrology, it is believed that the Sun is in the sign of Libra from approximately September 24 to October 23, in Vedic astrology - from October 16 to November 15. The sign of Libra should not be confused with the constellation Libra, in which the Sun is located from October 31 to November 22.

The Libra symbol ♎ (may not be displayed in some browsers) is found under Unicode decimal number 9806 or hexadecimal number 264E and can be entered into HTML code as ♎ or ♎.

Illustrations

Images of the constellation on coins of Belarus (silver)

Images of the constellation on Ukrainian coins (silver)

What does the zodiac sign Libra look like?

"Libra" is the second air sign of the zodiac and the seventh from the point of the vernal equinox. ecliptic sector 180 - 210 degrees.

The constellation Libra is not large in size in the visible part of our sky; it consists of double stars. Two thousand years ago, the sun was in the constellation Libra during the autumn equinox, therefore, as a symbol of the balance between light and night, the name of the constellation was given - Libra. The constellation personifies the desire for perfection.

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Nowadays, “Libra” is a symbol of the struggle of opposites in the pursuit of the ideal. The ratio of bad and good, beautiful and ugly, big and small, etc.

Libra: constellation in the sky (photo)

Part of Scorpio

Legendary

The stars in the constellation Libra are quite dim. However, there are also noteworthy objects here. The brightest point of the design is the “Zuben el Shemali” (“northern claw”), or beta Libra. The star is a blue-white main sequence dwarf.

Beta Libra rotates 100 times faster than the Sun. The star's simple spectrum allows scientists to actively use it to obtain information about the interstellar medium.

The second companion is located a short distance from the first and is somewhat dimmer than it. Presumably, it consists of two stars.

Planetary system

Libra is a constellation that includes a star around which planets suitable for life may possibly revolve. This is Gliese 581 or Wolf 562, a red dwarf star 20.4 light years away from the Sun. It is included in the list of one hundred stars closest to us.

Constellation Libra

“Two signs are called equinoxes: one of them, Aries, follows the point of the spring equinox, the other Libra, the autumnal equinox; they also received the name because of what happens in them, since the presence of the Sun at the beginning of these signs is characterized by equal lengths of day and night. "

Claudius Ptolemy - On the influence of the stars - "Mathematical treatise in four parts"

“The constellation Libra is a continuation of the series of publications “Constellations”, started at the request of a person teaching astronomy at school (Forum).

– Astronomy is currently not a compulsory subject and is taught optionally. "

Constellation Libra ( ♎, Libra) is the seventh largest constellation of the zodiac group 1 . Among all the constellations of the celestial sphere (nebosphere), Libra occupies 29th place, and among the constellations of the Southern Hemisphere - 10th (538 sq. degrees). The lines of the celestial equator and ecliptic pass through the constellation, while most of the constellation Libra is located above (north) of the ecliptic line, but below the celestial equator line and therefore belongs to the southern part of the sky.

The constellation Libra is located south of the celestial equator, surrounded by constellations little known to northerners - the Serpent, Ophiuchus, Scorpion, Wolf, Hydra, Virgo, Centaurus, so information on how to find this zodiac constellation will not be superfluous.

The Sun is currently passing through the constellation Libra from October 31 to November 22, in just three weeks: Libra (Libra, ♎ ) is one of the three smallest zodiacal constellations in the modern starry sky in terms of length along the ecliptic!

The best conditions for observing the constellation Libra occur between May 1 and May 23 (Libra culminates at midnight).

Stars and outline diagram of the constellation Libra

In order to obtain a schematic drawing of equal-armed scales with bowls, it turns out that it is quite enough to use the seven brightest stars of the constellation. Two stars of the 3rd magnitude Zuben Elgenubi (α Lib; 2.75), Zuben Elshemali (α Lib; 2.75) and five stars close to the 4th: σ Lib; 3.25, υ Lib; 3.60, τ Lib; 3.66, γ Lib; 3.98, θ Lib; 4.1. Our version of the outline image (diagram) of the constellation is shown in Figure 2:

Rice. 2 Constellation Libra ( ♎ , Libra – lat.). The brightest stars.

Outline drawing of Libra, which may have determined the modern boundaries of the constellation

The astronomers of ancient civilizations, who inherited the modern contours of the constellations to us, lived mainly in tropical and subtropical latitudes and observed the stars of the zodiac belt in a completely different way from how we, the inhabitants of the North, see them. At the latitude of Athens and, especially, Alexandria, the constellations of the zodiac pass near the zenith, and the ecliptic line is almost perpendicular to the horizon. Only the constellation Libra, which has risen in the east, looks something like this:

Rice. 3 Constellation Libra - southern rising. Diagram (Star Chart)

In the constellation Libra there are very few bright stars, as well as combinations of possible outline images, however, this figure shows our own version of the star chart (outline image) of Libra, although it looks more like a swing or a carousel.

In the time of Ptolemy, all zodiac constellations were animate, and Libra was the only zodiac sign that did not have its own constellation. In the night sky, the sign of Libra was allocated equal parts of the area in the constellation Virgo and the constellation Scorpio.

In the area of the sky corresponding to the modern constellation Libra, Claudius Ptolemy in his catalog "Almagest" provides a description of the asterism 2 “Claws of Scorpio”, and, for some reason, structures it as a separate constellation. Only at the end of ancient times does the asterism “Libra” appear in references within the constellation Scorpio, which first turned into a separate constellation during the era of the highest rise of the Roman Empire, when the goddess Justitia was placed on a pedestal with scales in her hands.

Therefore, it is better to consider the constellation Libra together with the northern part of its progenitor - the constellation Scorpio:

Rice. 4 Constellation Libra ( ♎ , Libra - lat.), surrounding constellations. Stars forming a schematic representation of Libra.

Chart outline by stars:

Zuben Elgenubi α Libra (α Lib) – Brachium (σ Lib) – Deracrab Australis (τ Lib) – Deracrab Borealis (υ Lib) – Brachium (σ Lib) – Zuben Elshemali (β Lib) – Zuben Elakrab γ Lib (γ Lib) – θ Libra (θ Lib) – Zuben Elshemali (β Lib) – Zuben Elgenubi α Libra (α Lib) .

The constellation Libra is visible from December to September. Libra culminates at midnight during May. Within the constellation there are 83 stars visible to the naked eye.

Specially described by Ptolemy as an independent star formation, the “Claws of Scorpio” deserves a separate image (Fig. 5) - Now, look and guess: Why did Ptolemy make a separate constellation out of THIS?

As a child, I was shown the “Claw asterism,” with which you can find the constellations Scorpio and Libra. To see the asterism in the picture, either simply move the cursor over the picture or double-click on it.

All, even not very bright stars included in the asterism, have their own names - this is a chain of stars (starting from the beginning of the claw and returning to it): “fiery” Antares - Alpha Scorpii (α Sco), Akrab (β Sco), Zuben Elshemali – Beta Libra (β Lib), Chubba (δ Sco), Zuben Elgenubi (α Lib), Vrishika (π Sco) and Antares again.

“Asterism Claw, Claw of Scorpio, constellations Scorpio and Libra. Chart author Sergey Ov (Seosnews9)

Asterism Claw, Claws of Scorpio, constellation Scorpio and Libra. Chart author Sergey Ov (Seosnews9)

Sergey Ov"

Rice. 5"Claws of Scorpio" and the asterism "Claw" historically unite the constellations Scorpio and Libra. Some optimists see a swallow instead of a claw, and pessimists (and gamers) see a diving alien ship.

The “Claw” asterism is as well recognizable to residents of the tropics and subtropics as the Big Dipper is to northerners. For this reason, the constellations Libra and Scorpio are a reference area for searching for stars of neighboring constellations; moreover, in tropical latitudes, the Claw even today appears from the horizon in early spring, so the constellations Libra and Scorpio also have the honorable role of heralds of spring!

Russians living in mid-latitudes are forced to be content with the view of these constellations near the southern horizon, so perhaps it will be more convenient for someone to remember the traditional constellation diagram, when Libra is located vertically in relation to the horizon:

Rice. 6. Schematic drawing of the constellation Libra - traditional and proposed by the author (visible when moving the cursor)

After the contours and brightest stars of the constellation have been studied to the point of automatic recognition, you can begin to search for the constellation Libra directly in the starry sky.

How to find the constellation Libra

To find the constellation Libra, first of all, you need to remember that in mid-latitudes this constellation does not rise high above the horizon and is fully visible only when it is in the southern part of the sky.

The easiest way to find the three brightest stars of Libra (the bright ones are blue and white, the orange one is dimmer) is using neighboring constellations, but firstly you need to know them, and secondly they are not always visible or not completely visible.

Most people are able, with the help of their imagination, to brilliantly use the axiom of belonging, so let’s look for well-known pairs of stars, “aiming” with the help of lines drawn through which will guide us to the constellation Libra.

1. The shortest and most accurate sight is obtained from the constellation Bootes. If you are familiar with the Parachute asterism, then select two stars: the first, Seguin, Gamma Bootes (γ Boo), located on the right edge of the “parachute dome”; the second, Isar, Epsilon Boötes (ε Boo) is located in the middle of the left “line”, draw a line through them and follow it to the nearest bright star, Zuben Elshemali (Fig. 7) - this is the easiest and most accurate way to find the constellation Libra.

It is worth remembering that Bootes rises before Libra, and sets later, that is, if Bootes is close to the horizon, then it is useless to look for Libra.

Rice. 7. How to find the constellation Libra based on the constellation Bootes - an accurate target for Beta Libra

2. The most universal way to determine the location of the constellation Libra is a distant approach from the north using the constellations Ursa Major, Ursa Minor, or for particularly advanced observers the constellations Cygnus and Lyra (Fig. 8):

Rice. 8. How to find the constellation Libra based on the northern sky

For novice stargazers, what's the best way to find the constellation Libra? to use the help of the stars of the Big Dipper located on the handle - this is the pair Mizar - Benetnash (η UMa - ζ UMa). It should be borne in mind that Libra will be fully visible only if the line leads to the southeast, south or southwest.

If for some reason it is not possible to use the stars of the Big Dipper, then the constellation Libra can still be found using the pairs: Polar Star - Ferkad (Ursa Minor: α UMi - γ UMi) or Deneb - Vega (Swan: α Cyg - Lyra: α Lyr).

3. The Moon, as a kind of celestial guide to the zodiac constellations, can also help you find the constellation Libra. The Moon visits Libra at least once a month. Just to avoid light exposure, it is better to start looking for a constellation, either before the Moon arrives at it, or after it passes through it. You can find out about the time of approach of the night star to the constellation Libra on the page: The Moon - a guide to the constellations

History and mythology of the constellation Libra

If we follow the traditions of classical antiquity, we can safely say that Libra is the youngest constellation of the zodiac. At the very beginning of the millennium, the treatise “Astronomy” was published, in the well-known lists of which the author is listed as “Higinus”. So in this treatise the constellation Libra is not mentioned at all, but it is stated: “Scorpio, due to the enormity of its body, occupies the length of two signs. Its front part is assigned to Libra, the rest - to Scorpio.” Following Hyginus, Claudius Ptolemy in his "A mathematical treatise in four parts" writes that Libra is the sign balancing between summer and autumn in nature, and between Virgo and Scorpio in the heavens.

And suddenly, in a huge fundamental work now known as “Almagest”, and called by the author himself “Mathematical collection in 13 books”, Claudius Ptolemy introduces a new constellation “Claw of Scorpio”. What's the matter?

But the fact is that in the capital of the Roman Empire, the court “astronomers” decided to exalt Emperor Augustus to the status of God and, quickly cutting off Scorpio, set aside for the emperor the most noticeable place in the southern sky.

Claudius Ptolemy in his work emphatically restores justice, returning Scorpio’s claws, fixing them in the place of the most august of the august.

Eight hundred years later, in 960, another great, already Persian, astronomer al-Sufi, who did not suspect anything about the intrigues of past years, clarifying the coordinates of the stars that had changed over the centuries, thought about the injustice committed in relation to the sign of Libra, and corrected it by placing constellation dedicated to Libra in the sky and in his “Book of Fixed Stars” (Fig. 9), only slightly shortening the left claw of Scorpio. This is how the constellation Libra appeared!

Rice. 9. The constellation Libra in the Book of Fixed Stars by al-Sufi (Al Sufi. Book of the constellations, or fixed stars. – Library of Congress. World Digital Library – informationally not the best, but the most beautiful list of the 15th century, commissioned by Ulugbek).

The astronomical community does not provide legal support for the preservation of the historical names of stars and constellations, much less the myths about them. So, go for it! You can safely write your MYTH!

In this area, everything happens according to the principle: There would be a constellation, but there would be a myth! The current descendants of the Romans, on their national Wikipedia page, dedicate to Libra the myth of Astraea, the goddess of justice, daughter of Themis. According to one version, Astraea dropped Libra at her feet when she saw a huge Scorpio. According to the other, she, on the contrary, holds Libra with her arms outstretched forward. With a certain amount of imagination, you can clearly imagine the figure of Astraea, in place of the constellation Virgo - Libra, we have already drawn.

Despite the historical youth of the constellation Libra, a whole tangle has been woven from the star patterns proposed in its place (Fig. 10)

Rice. 10. A tangle of historical lines of “fate” of the constellation Libra, the stars of the constellation and the surrounding area.

The first place in this tangle is given to the “Claw” asterism. (thin lilac outline), in second place - "Scorpio's Claws" from Ptolemy (rich lilac outline), on the third - the outline of Libra from al-Sufi (green lines), then a modern schematic drawing of the constellation Libra (white lines) and finally a diagram appears that will perhaps be best perceived by contemporaries - this is the image of a flipper (thin lilac outline). If after sunset a Lasta emerges from the horizon in the southeast, it means the swimming season has begun!

John Hevelius, in his atlas “Uranography”, usually tries to follow Ptolemy’s descriptions as accurately as possible, but in this case, in place of the “Scorpio Claw” asterism described by Ptolemy, he depicts Libra, following the tradition already established in the 17th century, thanks to al-Sufi , depict the 12 zodiac constellations. True, following al-Sufi, it turns out that Hevelius was still “greedy” and did not give Libra the three bright southern stars transferred to the constellation in our time:

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Compatibility horoscope: Libra zodiac sign stars constellation - the most complete description, only proven theories based on astrological observations of several millennia.

Zodiac constellations and zodiac signs

Constellations of the zodiac signs. Zodiac signs: constellations in the sky

Bright stars in the sky form characteristic figures. Such clusters are called constellations. People always look at the stars for a long time, trying to unravel the mystery of their cosmic origin. They want to find among the constellations those they once read or heard about. Twelve of the celestial figures are constellations of zodiac signs. Each of them is associated with legends that tell about its discovery and explain its name. What are these zodiac signs?

The zodiac is a certain belt of the sky along which some planets, the Moon and the Sun move, passing 12 constellations on their way. Since they are located in the zodiac field, they got their name - the constellations of the zodiac. Each of them in ancient astrology was designated or accompanied by a certain symbol called a zodiac sign. Here is a simple story of how the constellations of zodiac signs appeared.

How many are there in total?

The sun travels around a large circle of the celestial sphere in a year. This circle (called the zodiac, 360 degrees in total) is divided into 12 sectors of 30 degrees each, named after the constellations that the Sun passes on its way.

Each month corresponds to the zodiac sign in which the Sun moves in that month. Once upon a time, the constellations of the zodiac signs served people as a calendar, since the Sun traveled in each of them for about a month. But since the point of the vernal equinox constantly moves (every 70 years by 1°), the Sun today, within one month, moves not through one, but through two nearby constellations, but the designations that previously existed for months have been preserved. The Sun moves through the constellation Virgo for the longest time - 44 days, and the Sun moves through the constellation Scorpio in 6 days. To be fair, it should be noted that the Sun, between November 30 and December 18, passes through another cluster of stars - Ophiuchus, but it just so happened historically that it did not get a month, and it was not included in the constellations of zodiac signs.

Origin of names

People have come up with their own name for each constellation of zodiac signs. According to one version, the origin of the names of the zodiac signs corresponds to the exploits of Hercules. Other versions are based on ancient Greek myths about the gods of Olympus. Each name and sign has its own legend. It is interesting that, despite the ancient Greek origin, all the names of the zodiac signs have been written in Latin since ancient times.

Today, astrologers name 12 zodiac signs, united by 4 elements:

earth – Capricorn, Taurus, Virgo;
waters – Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces;
fire - Aries, Leo, Sagittarius;
air - Libra, Aquarius, Gemini.

According to mystical teachings, the signs of the zodiac - constellations in the sky - endow people born under them (that is, in the month when the Sun passes a certain constellation) with certain character traits.

Aries constellation

The first spring months - March and April (21.03 - 20.04) - correspond to the zodiac sign Aries. The constellation Aries consists of 20 stars. Mesartim, Sharatan, Gamal are the three brightest stars of Aries. About 2000 years ago, the location of the vernal equinox was in Aries. According to astronomers, she will not return here soon, but after a long 24,000 years.

One of the myths tells how Aries saves Phrixus and Hella, two children who, at the behest of the evil stepmother Ino, must be sacrificed. The fate of the children turned out differently, but the memory of the golden fleece lamb was forever preserved by the starry sky.

Constellation Taurus

Taurus (April 21 – May 21) is a very noticeable constellation; an attentive observer will see up to 130 of its stars, 14 of them are visible especially clearly. The brightest are Aldebaran, Nat and the star Alcyone and Zeta Tauri. The summer solstice point is located in this constellation.

According to one legend, Taurus is identified with Zeus. He took on this image to kidnap Europa, the daughter of the Phoenician king.

In the constellation Gemini you can see about 70 stars, two of which – Castor and Pollux – are the brightest. The immense brotherly love of Castor and Pollux, which ancient Greek myths tell about, prompted people to find two shining celestial stars and call them Gemini. The sign corresponds to May and June (22.05 – 21.06).

Constellation Cancer

The summer months - June and July (22.06 - 23.07) - correspond to the zodiac sign Cancer. The constellation Cancer is very large and at the same time the weakest, it is lost against the background of its bright neighbors and brothers Leo and Gemini. In good weather at night you can see about 60 stars in the constellation without telescopic instruments. The brightest is Altarf or Beta Cancri.

Legend associates the appearance of this constellation in the sky with the name of Hercules’ irreconcilable rival Hera; it was she who lifted there the sea monster that bit Hercules during the battle with Hydra. Although according to legend it was not a cancer, but a crab, astronomers liked the first name more.

Constellation Leo

Another zodiac sign is named after the constellation Leo (July, August). The constellation Leo is the brightest in the zodiac family. Its largest star is called Regulus, which means king. The constellation is also interesting because in November, once every 33 years, you can see star showers of a meteorite shower in it.

The mythological Nemean lion (with which the appearance of the constellation is associated), born of the half-woman, half-snake Echidna, was able to defeat the illegitimate son of Zeus, Hercules. And the great Thunderer immortalized his son’s victory by lifting the defeated monster into heaven.

Constellation Virgo

Virgo is a large cluster of stars in the zodiac, 164 of its stars are visible without a telescope or telescope. The brightest is Spica. In our era, the autumnal equinox is located in the constellation Virgo. The zodiac sign corresponds to August and September.

Numerous legends connect the Virgin either with Rhea, the mother of Zeus, or with Themis, or Gaia, the earth mother.

Constellation Libra

Libra – the months of September and October. Once upon a time, its constituent stars were part of the constellation Scorpio, but, having moved away, they subsequently formed a new constellation. The origin of the constellation is associated with the daughter of Zeus Astraea, who, without getting tired, walked the earth, assessing the unjust and fair deeds of people with the help of scales.

It consists of 83 stars, the brightest of which are Zuben el Shemali and Zuben el Genubi.

Scorpio has also found its place among the zodiac signs. This southern zodiac constellation is one of the brightest in the sky, it has 17 stars, the brightest of which is Antares.

As the myths tell, Scorpio, who fatally stung the young hunter Orion, settled next to him forever in the heavens. This zodiac sign corresponds to October and November.

Sagittarius (months November and December) is the brightest cluster of stars. 115 stars of the constellation will appear before the attentive gaze of the observer, of which 14 stars are very bright, the championship is held by Alnazl, Albaldakh, Kaus Borealis, Kaus Meridianalis, Askella, Nunki and Kaus Australis.

This is a very interesting part of the sky. There are three nebulae, the center of the galaxy and a supermassive black hole. The constellation Sagittarius is the winter solstice point.

Sagittarius is the image of the mighty mythological centaur, forever rushing across the sky.

The zodiac sign Capricorn corresponds to December and January. Without telescopic equipment, 86 stars of this cluster can be seen. Beta Capricorn is the brightest of all.

There are many legends about this constellation. Ancient Greek mythology says that Capricorn was the son of Hermes. He, frightened by the hundred-headed Titan, rushed into the sea. After which his appearance changed greatly, he turned into a goat with a fish tail. The gods were amazed at the sight of the monster and took him to heaven.

Aquarius (months January and February) is another large cluster of stars on the solar path, with seven stars being the brightest. Aquarius is easily visible at night between August and October. Closer to the second half of summer, active meteorite showers can be observed in the constellation. Aquarius is also famous for the fact that it contains the huge Helix Nebula, which is closest to Earth. According to ancient legends, the name of the constellation means “master of the waters.”

The zodiac sign Pisces corresponds to February and March. The largest star in the constellation is Alrisha. There are 75 visible stars in the cluster. This is the point of the spring equinox.

According to mythological legends, fish are lovers Akid and Galatea. Pursued by the Cyclops Polyphemus, who was in love with Galatea, they, in order not to be separated, rushed into the depths of the sea and were swallowed up by it. The gods took the lovers to heaven and gave them eternal life in the constellation Pisces.

Constellation Libra

Claudius Ptolemy - On the influence of the stars - "Mathematical treatise in four parts"

“The constellation Libra is a continuation of the series of publications “Constellations”, started at the request of a person teaching astronomy at school (Forum).

– Astronomy is currently not a compulsory subject and is taught optionally. "

The best conditions for observing the constellation Libra occur between May 1 and May 23 (Libra culminates at midnight).

Stars and outline diagram of the constellation Libra

Rice. 2 Constellation Libra ( ♎ , Libra – lat.). The brightest stars.

Outline drawing of Libra, which may have determined the modern boundaries of the constellation

Rice. 3 Constellation Libra - southern rising. Diagram (Star Chart)

Therefore, it is better to consider the constellation Libra together with the northern part of its progenitor - the constellation Scorpio:

Rice. 4 Constellation Libra ( ♎ , Libra - lat.), surrounding constellations. Stars forming a schematic representation of Libra.

Chart outline by stars:

The constellation Libra is visible from December to September. Libra culminates at midnight during May. Within the constellation there are 83 stars visible to the naked eye.

“Asterism Claw, Claw of Scorpio, constellations Scorpio and Libra. Chart author Sergey Ov (Seosnews9)

Asterism Claw, Claws of Scorpio, constellation Scorpio and Libra. Chart author Sergey Ov (Seosnews9)

Sergey Ov"

Rice. 6. Schematic drawing of the constellation Libra - traditional and proposed by the author (visible when moving the cursor)

After the contours and brightest stars of the constellation have been studied to the point of automatic recognition, you can begin to search for the constellation Libra directly in the starry sky.

How to find the constellation Libra

It is worth remembering that Bootes rises before Libra, and sets later, that is, if Bootes is close to the horizon, then it is useless to look for Libra.

Rice. 7. How to find the constellation Libra based on the constellation Bootes - an accurate target for Beta Libra

Rice. 8. How to find the constellation Libra based on the northern sky

History and mythology of the constellation Libra

Claudius Ptolemy in his work emphatically restores justice, returning Scorpio’s claws, fixing them in the place of the most august of the august.

Despite the historical youth of the constellation Libra, a whole tangle has been woven from the star patterns proposed in its place (Fig. 10)

Rice. 10. A tangle of historical lines of “fate” of the constellation Libra, the stars of the constellation and the surrounding area.

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The constellation Libra has been known to mankind since ancient times. Therefore, it is very surprising that it is the only constellation of the Zodiac that has not received the name of some living creature.

As you understand, this “metrological instrument” is located between the zodiacs called Scorpio and Virgo. Not taking into account the fact that among the 83 stars of this constellation there is not a single star of the first or even second magnitude, it can be quite easily found in the sky. It is undoubtedly one of the most prominent objects in the night sky.

The brightest stars in Libra have a magnitude of 4. To find a constellation in the sky, you need to look closely and spot the rhomboid in the sky that is formed by its four brightest stars. Besides the two Zodiacs, Libra's closest neighbors are Ophiuchus, Snake and Wolf. You can easily see the constellation between April and May. As for the Sun, it is in Libra from the end of October (October 31) to the twentieth of November (November 22). In the south and center of Russia, this constellation can be seen in full.

The history of the most “balanced” constellation

It is worth saying that many thousands of years ago, the stars of this object belonged to a completely different constellation, namely Scorpio. But Libra also formed as an independent constellation quite a long time ago - in the second century BC. However, mentions of him can be found a century earlier in the poems of Arat of Soli. But it must be said that already in the first century AD, the well-known Virgil put forward a proposal that in place of Libra, another constellation could be organized, while slightly shortening the constellation Scorpio. The new constellation was supposed to be dedicated to Emperor Augustus.

When Libra formed into an independent constellation, the name “Claws” was very often used for it. Thus, they tried to connect him with Scorpio. At this time, the stars of this group were sometimes represented as a kind of asterism, at other times - as a constellation. For example, in the work of Ptolemy, it is indicated precisely as a constellation, although for now as the constellation “Claws”. It is amazing that during the same period of time “Claws”, like the Zodiac, had the name Libra. And yet, in the first century BC, today's name became generally accepted. As already mentioned, this zodiac constellation is the only inanimate object in the sky, probably precisely because its formation was so late.

Multiple system of the constellation under study

Since we're talking about the claws of the constellation, it's time to move on to the most prominent stars of Libra. Let's start the review with the first star of Libra, its alpha, which also bears the Arabic name Zuben Elgenubi. The translation, as you probably already understood, means “southern claw.” The Latin version of the name of the star also contains the word southern, but already a bowl, and sounds like Kiffa Australis.

Alpha Libra ranks second in brightness in the constellation. Since this star is a multiple, even with small binoculars everyone can notice that the main star (a hot blue star with a magnitude of 2.75m) has acquired a satellite - a yellowish star with a magnitude of 5.15m. The two stars are located at a considerable distance from each other (as much as 5 minutes of arc), therefore, despite their similar proper movements, their physical connection still raises some doubts among astronomers.

Expressing the distance between the two components of the system in astronomical units, it will be as much as 5.5 thousand. Thus, the period of revolution of stars relative to each other is two hundred thousand years. Interestingly, the brighter component of the system is itself also a double star, but the distance between them is so small that it cannot be seen by the eye. It is worth adding that Alpha Libra is very close to the celestial ecliptic, so it is possible to observe occultations of the star by planets or the Moon. In 2052, we will be able to see the planetary occultation of the star Zuben Elgenubi by the planet Mercury.

The second “foot” of Scorpio in the constellation in question

The historical northern claw of Scorpio in this constellation is Beta Libra. This name is translated into Arabic as Zuben el Shemali. But the star also has the Latin name Kiffa Borealis, which means “northern bowl” and is closer in meaning to the name of the constellation.

Beta Libra is a blue-white hot star. It is located on the main sequence of stellar evolution, its spectral class is B8. The surface temperature of Beta Libra is approximately 12 thousand Kelvin. When observed with the naked eye, this star is the only one in the sky that may appear to us as a green star.

Due to the fact that its temperature is so high and its spectrum is unusually simple, this celestial body is simply an ideal tool for exploring, located between the Sun and beta Libra.

Astronomers have noted some variability in this star. Therefore, there is a possibility that beta Libra has some currently invisible satellite, which eclipses the main star from time to time. Ancient "stargazers" such as Ptolemy wrote in their writings that Beta Libra was much brighter than its neighbor. How true this information is, and why the star then lost its former brightness, remains a mystery today.

It turns out that there are three claws in the constellation Libra

Amazingly, thanks to our ancestors, Libra has another claw, and again it belongs to Scorpio. Gamma Libra or otherwise Zuben el Akrab is translated from Arabic as “scorpion claw.” This star represents the second multiple system in the constellation Libra.

Gamma Libra appears to be a typical orange giant, which is classified as spectral class K0III. This star has an effective surface temperature of 4822 Kelvin. The diameter of the star is 14 solar. Its apparent magnitude is 3.93m and it shines 71 times more powerful than the Sun.

The metallicity of the Libra gamma is about half that of the Sun. At the same time, the mass of the star is equal to 2.5 solar masses. According to various estimates, the age of the star is about four billion years. A possible close companion was discovered in this system, less than 0.1 arcsecond from the main star. This companion has a magnitude of 4.2m and is classified as G8III in its spectrum. It is likely that it itself is also a double star.

Delta Libra - the eclipsing star of the constellation

An interesting object in the constellation Libra is its Delta. Another name for this luminary is Zuben Elakribi. This name suggests that, like many other components of Libra, it previously belonged to the neighboring constellation Scorpio. Delta Libra is also a multiple system. In addition, she is a bright representative of eclipsing variable stars, which belong to the Algol type.

Leafing through the catalog of variable stars, you can see that the primary component of this system is a white hot star, classified according to its spectrum as class A0. Its secondary component is an orange subgiant. Between the centers of the two stars of this system there is a distance of almost 9 million kilometers, while the orbital period is about 2.5 days.

In 2001, information was presented that it was likely that a third component had appeared in the binary system - some kind of long-period companion. It was assumed that it is a representative of the G9 spectral class and has a mass comparable to the Sun. The orbital period of the third component was approximately 2.76 years. This information was fully confirmed 5 years later - in 2006. Indeed, such a component is located from two stars at a distance of 4 astronomical units.

Pulsating Star of Libra

There is another interesting component in the constellation - sigma Libra. Historically, it bore various names, for example, Cornu, Bahrium or the already familiar Zuben Hakrabi. Indeed, for a very long time it was a legitimate component of the constellation Scorpio. However, the star was so far from its native constellation at that time and so close to the bright luminaries of Libra that in the 19th century, astronomer Gould rewrote it as part of Libra, designating it Sigma.

Sigma Libra is a variable pulsating star that has a third magnitude (about 3.29m). Since it is assigned to the spectral type M3, it is most likely a red giant. This star is located 290 light years from us. Its luminosity is on average 1900 times higher and its radius 110 times greater than the Sun. The surface temperature of this reddish star is about 3600 K.

It is also interesting that Sigma Libra is a pulsating star. Thus, its brightness changes every 20 days by an average of 0.26m. This star has entered the final stage of its stellar evolution. All the characteristics of this object have been very well studied: it is confirmed that Sigma does not have any unknown companions, no anomalies in its chemical composition, or dust disks near it. Soon the star will increase in size, then shed its outer shell, and, exposing its core of carbon and oxygen, will turn into a white dwarf.

Curious objects in the constellation Libra

Star Gliese 570

Unfortunately, those interested in astronomy will not find any very bright galaxies within this constellation. However, there are several very noteworthy objects in the constellation. Such, for example, is the star Gliese 570, which is the quadruple system closest to the Sun. It contains four dwarf stars: one orange and one brown, and two red. Gliese 570 is 19 light-years from the Sun.

The internal structure of this system is quite complex. Thus, its two components, called B and C, have a common center of mass around which they revolve. The distance between the stars is quite small - approximately 0.79 astronomical units, therefore, the revolution takes 309 days. The main component, the star Gliese 570A, moves away from this pair by as much as 190 astronomical units. Thus, the revolution of the pair B and C, relative to star A, is approximately 2130 years. All components of this quadruple system, together with the most unremarkable (dim and small) component D, are classified as old stars of the galactic disk.

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