What is the constellation Libra?
The balance (Pound) is the seventh constellation of the zodiac (symbol Scales). According to the International Astronomical Union, the Latin name of the constellation is Libra. It is one of the 88 modern constellations.
It is a dim constellation that does not have any stars of the first magnitude, located between Virgin to the west and Scorpius in the east. As the names of the brightest star attest, it was part of Scorpius’s clutches. In classical mythology it was considered to be the scales of Astrea, the virgin goddess of Justice. The same goddess was represented by a neighboring constellation: the Virgin.
Libra main stars
The main stars of Libra form a rectangle: α and β Librae are the arms of the scale and γ and δ are the trays.
- α Librae, Zubenelgenubi (the southern claw), is a visual binary.
- β Librae, Zubeneschamali (the northern claw).
- γ Librae, Zuvenelakrab (the scorpion’s claw).
- δ Librae, an eclipsing variable.
Kepler-9
Kepler – 9 is a star in the Scales Constellation within the Kepler Mission’s field of view.
On August 26, 2010, scientists announced the discovery through methods of detecting extra-solar planets of at least two planets in the orbit of Kepler-9. The two confirmed planets are designated Kepler – 9b and Kepler – 9c. There may also be a Super Earth in an orbit closer to the star with a period of 1.5925 days and a radius just 1.4 times that of Earth. This unconfirmed object has been designated Koi- 377.03. The probability of spurious detection is estimated at 0.59%.
Libra Mythology
The constellation, which was originally part of the pincers of the scorpion (Scorpio), is the newest of the Zodiac and the only one that does not represent a living creature. In recent times in Greek mythology, this constellation, which was considered to vaguely resemble scales, was considered the representation of the scales of Astrea (identified with Virgo), the goddess of justice.
Since Libra was considered part of Virgo (like scales), and before that a part of Scorpio, it was not considered a distinct entity in the Zodiac. Her place would have been occupied by Boötes, which is very close to the ecliptic.
Boötes along with Ursa Major, Draco, and Ursa Minor, all in Libra, could have originated the myth of the apples of the Hesperides, one of the twelve labors of Hercules.