Encyclopedia

Libra

Libra (lē'bru, lī'–) [key][Lat.,=the scales], southern constellation lying on the ecliptic (the sun's apparent path through the heavens) between Virgo and Scorpius; it is one of the constellations of the zodiac. Sometimes depicted as a pair of scales, it is also known as the Balance. The ancient Greeks represented it as the claws of the Scorpion (Scorpius). Zubenelschemal (Beta Librae), which lies between Arcturus and Antares, is the only star observable by the naked eye that has been reported to appear greenish. Libra reaches its highest point in the evening sky in late June.

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2007, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

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