Lupus

Lupus is a southern constellation lying between Centaurus and Scorpius in a rich region of the Milky Way. It contains several bright stars and interesting deep-sky objects. The historical supernova SN 1006, the brightest stellar event in recorded history, occurred in Lupus.

Location in the Sky

When to Observe

Lupus is best observed during June. It is located in the SQ3 quadrant and is primarily visible from the southern hemisphere. The constellation contains 9 main stars forming its asterism, with 30 Bayer/Flamsteed designated stars in total. Its brightest star is Alpha Lupi.

Mythology & History

In Greek and Roman mythology, Lupus represents a wolf or wild animal being sacrificed by Centaurus on the altar Ara. The ancient Greeks called it Therion (the Beast). It was Ptolemy who catalogued it, and later Latin scholars translated it as Lupus, the wolf.