Constellation The Shield

Scutum (The Shield): gift, map and visability

  • Meaning: The Shield
  • Best seen in: August
  • Family: Hercules
  • Latitude: +70° to -90°

Scutum or The Shield is one of the 88 constellations modern astronomers have divided the sky into. It's part of the Hercules constellation family. Scutum is best seen in August (from latitudes +70° to -90°).

The shield can be found on the Milky Way between Sagittarius, Aquila, and the lower half of Serpens. The original name of the constellation was Scutum Sobiescanum, or ‘shield of Sobieski’. Sobieski was the king of Poland and defeated the Ottoman Empire in 1683 at the Battle of Vienna. Hevelius, who named the constellation, did so to honor the king while he was still alive.

Scutum Constellation Map

Scutum Constellation Map
Scutum icon

Main Stars in The Shield (Scutum)

The constellation Scutum contains several bright stars that make up its shape. Some of these main stars are known as:

  • Ioannina
  • Beta Scuti
  • Zeta Scuti
  • Gamma Scuti
  • Delta Scuti
  • Eta Scuti
  • Epsilon Scuti

Some of the deep sky objects which have been discovered in Scutum include: Wild Duck Cluster, Messier 26, NGC 6712, IC 1295, RSGC 1, Alicante 8, Stephenson 2.

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88 constellations: Find out more about each of the 88 constellations and the 12 zodiacs!
Constellation facts about Scutum

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