by Jeffrey L. Hunt
As the moon moves toward its Full phase, the Classic Scorpion catches the lunar orb in its pincers. This evening the moon is 80% illuminated, as it is 9.8 days past the New phase.
One hour after sunset, the moon is caught in the classic pincers of Scorpius. It is just above (2.7°) the southern claw – Zugenelgenubi. The name reflects that these stars – now part of Libra – were included with Scorpius. The northern claw – Zubeneschamali – is above the moon. Because of the moon’s brightness, it might be necessary to block the moon’s light with your hand to see the pincers or look for the stars with a binocular.
The head and body of the scorpion curves down to the left from the moon’s location. The heart is red-orange Antares. At this hour, the tail curls below the horizon and back up to the stinger.