Libra Constellation Myths and Facts

Libra: The Balance

Pronunciation: LEE-bruh
Libra, The Balance
Libra as depicted by Johann Bayer in his Uranometria (1603). Source image provided by www.RareMaps.com — Barry Lawrence Ruderman Antique Maps Inc.
Libra Constellation Profile
Abbreviation: Lib Genitive: Librae
Origin: Ancient Location: Southern Hemisphere
Best View (North): Spring Best View (South):
Bordering Constellations: Serpens Caput, Virgo, Hydra, Centaurus, Lupus, Scorpius, Ophiuchus

The Myth Behind the Constellation Libra

The stars of Libra, “The Scales”, originally belonged to the constellation Scorpius and depicted its claws.  Later, during the time of the ancient Romans, these stars became their own star group and came to represent the scales held by Themis, the Greek goddess of justice. Libra is a member of the zodiac.

Libra Constellation Points of Interest

Interesting stars and objects.

Bright Stars in Libra

These are the stars in Libra with a minimum magnitude of 3.0.
Name Bayer Name Magnitude Color Luminosity Distance
Zubeneschamali Beta Librae 2.61  Blue-White 270 suns 160 ly
Zubenelgenubi Alpha Librae 2.75  White 41 suns 77 ly