The Shield. Best placed in April. It straddles the celestial equator, so it is visible from essentially anywhere on Earth at the right time of year.
Scutum, known in English as the Shield, is centred near right ascension 18.8 hours, declination -13°. It straddles the celestial equator, so it is visible from essentially anywhere on Earth at the right time of year.
It reaches its highest point in the sky around local midnight in April, which is when it is easiest to pick out. Earlier in the year it rises before dawn; later, it is already setting in the evening.
| Star | Designation | Magnitude |
|---|---|---|
| Nunki | σ Sgr | 2.02 |
| Ascella | ζ Sgr | 2.60 |
| Kaus Media | δ Sgr | 2.70 |
SkyRef draws Scutum in its real position for wherever you are, right now, along with the other 88 IAU figures.