Lupus

The Wolf

A southern constellation just south of Libra and Scorpius, where a supernova seen in 1006 AD shone as the brightest star-like event in recorded history. Only the northern part is visible from the United States.

Chart drawn as the sky looks when you face the constellation: north is up and east is to the left. Dot size shows brightness, and color hints at temperature. The connecting lines are one common stick figure; other traditions draw them differently.

Best season: Summer
Best months: May through July, very low in the south on summer evenings
Visibility: Only partly visible, very low in the south, from the southern United States
Abbreviation: Lup

How to find it

Look below Libra and Scorpius, very low in the south, for a group of faint-to-moderate stars.

Brightest stars

Alpha Lupi
Beta Lupi

What to look for

The faint wolf pattern, low on the horizon, from the far southern states.

Binocular and telescope targets

SN 1006: the remains of the brightest supernova in recorded history

Using it to find other things

Lupus lies below Libra, between Scorpius and Centaurus.

About this constellation

Lupus is a southern constellation that only partly rises from the United States. It was known to ancient observers as an unnamed beast held by the Centaur.

A supernova seen in 1006 AD in Lupus was brighter than any other star-like event in recorded history, bright enough to be seen in daytime.

Related guides

Visibility depends on your latitude, the date, and the time of night. The months above assume a typical evening from the contiguous United States, so use a planetarium app to confirm what is up tonight. Never look at the Sun through binoculars or a telescope without a proper solar filter.

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