Scutum - The Shield

Learn about the constellation Scutum - The Shield, location, facts, mythology, meteor showers and deep space objects.

It is one of the few constellations (with Coma Berenices) that owes its name to a historical figure.

Location: Northern Summer 19h RA -10° Dec

The original name Scutum Sobiescianum (Sobieski's Shield) was introduced in late 1683 by Hevelius as the commemoration of the victory of the Christian forces led by Polish king and hero John III Sobieski in the battle of Vienna.

Scutum Mythology

Being a modern constellation, Scutum has no mythology associated with it. It was designed to represent the Janina Coat of Arms of Polish king Jan III Sobieski.

Scutum Deep Space Objects

Although not a large constellation, Scutum contains several open clusters, as well as a globular cluster and a planetary nebula. The two best-known deep sky objects in Scutum are M11 (the Wild Duck Cluster) and the open cluster M26 (NGC 6694). The globular cluster NGC 6712 and the planetary nebula IC 1295 can be found in the eastern part of the constellation, only 24 arcminutes apart.

In this table, the observation month represents the month in which the object reaches its highest point in the sky. It can also be viewed a few months before and after depending on your location. Direction is the compass direction in which the object is located, with Z meaning Zenith or overhead.