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Scorpius

Scorpius is a prominent zodiac constellation in the southern sky, named after the scorpion. It features bright stars and deep-sky objects, including the Butterfly Nebula (NGC 6302).

Source: science.nasa.gov

APODs including "Scorpius"

M6: The Butterfly Cluster

06/01/1999

M6: The Butterfly Cluster
Image Credit: NASA Astronomy Picture of the Day

To some, the outline of the open cluster of stars M6 resembles a butterfly. M6, also known as NGC 6405, spans about 20 light-years and lies about 2,000 light years distant. M6 can best be seen in a dark sky with binoculars towards the constellation of Scorpius, coving about as much of the sky as the full moon. Like other open clusters, M6 is composed predominantly of young blue stars, although the brightest star is nearly orange. M6 is estimated to be about 100 million years old. Determining the distance to clusters like M6 helps astronomers calibrate the distance scale of the universe.