Sky Chart and Artist Rendering of Libra Origin:
Libra is a medium-sized ecliptic constellation (seventh constellation in the ancient zodiac) which represents the scales of justice or a balance now associated with Virgo, the goddess of Justice who used the scales as the emblem of her office. The Romans recognized the constellation as the Scales as far back as 2,000 BC. Libra has in the past also been associated with Scorpius as the Scorpion's claws by the Greeks. Information:
Libra is an easy target being well-placed between Virgo to its west and Scorpius to its east. Libra culminates on July 8 at 9 pm. There are only a few interesting deep sky objects in Libra -- 2 galaxies and 1 planetary nebula (the glowing gas ejected from a dead star). | 