description Shaula Overview
Shaula, designated Lambda Scorpii, is the second-brightest star in the constellation Scorpius and marks the tip of the scorpion's tail. The name derives from the Arabic for 'the raised tail.' It is a multiple-star system located approximately 570 light-years from Earth, with the primary component classified as a hot blue subgiant or main-sequence star of spectral type B. Shaula is one of the stars that defines the classical outline of Scorpius in the southern sky.
insights Ranking position
Shaula ranks #59 of 212 in the Star ranking, behind Kepler-22, ahead of Alkaid.
help Shaula FAQ
How can I find Shaula in the night sky?
Look for the hooked tail of Scorpius and identify the bright star near its tip beside Lesath. Shaula is Lambda Scorpii and has an apparent magnitude of about 1.6, making it the constellation's second-brightest star after Antares.
Is Shaula a single star?
No, Shaula is a multiple system whose bright central object is itself composed of closely interacting stellar components. Its principal stars are hot B-type objects, and the system includes an eclipsing and pulsating component.
Does the name Shaula refer to the scorpion's stinger?
Yes, the name comes from an Arabic expression associated with the raised part of the scorpion's tail or stinger. Shaula and nearby Lesath visually mark the end of Scorpius's curved tail.
Why is Shaula called Lambda Scorpii if it is so bright?
Its Bayer letter does not represent a strict brightness ranking, even though lambda is the eleventh Greek letter. Shaula is actually brighter than every star in Scorpius except Antares.
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