LIBRA (li'-bra)—THE SCALES. (Face Southwest.)
Location.—Libra is one of the signs of the Zodiac, and lies between Virgo and Scorpio. Its two chief stars, (α) and (β), may be readily recognized west of and above the head of the Scorpion.
The star (ι) Libræ is about 20 degrees northwest of Antares in the Scorpion. Spica in Virgo, a star of the first magnitude, is a little over 20 degrees northwest of (α) Libræ.
A quadrilateral is formed by the stars α, β, γ, ι, which characterizes the constellation.
The star (α) Libræ looks elongated. Binoculars shows that it has a fifth-magnitude companion.
(β) is a pale green star. Its color is very unusual.
Lyra, Corona, and Hercules are almost directly overhead in the early evening, during July and August, and can best be observed in a reclining position. Thus placed, with binoculars to assist the vision, you may study to the best advantage the wonderful sight spread out before you, and search depths only measured by the power of your glass.
48
