Scutum – The Shield

Scutum is one of the 88 constellations within the celestial sphere.

Scutum is one of the 29 constellations that represents an object.

Symbolism: Scutum is also known as ‘The Triangle’

History & Mythology

Scutum is a very small constellation in the night sky, that represents a shield. Scutum is the 5th smallest of all of the 88 constellations, and consists of just 2 stars. The constellation was defined by Polish astronomer Johannes Hevelius in 1684. The constellation was devised in honor of the king Sobiesci of Poland at the time. Its original name was Scutum Sobiescianum, which means Sobiesci’s Shield.   

Key Data

Bordering Constellations: Scutum is bordered by constellations Serpens, Aquila & Sagittarius.

Sky Chart #: Chart 4.

Star Raking: 84th largest constellation in the celestial sphere. 

Main Stars: Scutum consists of 2 main stars.

Brightest Star: Alpha Scuti.

Kids Fun Facts Corner

# 1. Scutum has 1 star with planets.

# 2. Scutum has 3 Deep-Sky Objects. M11, M26 & Scutum Star Cloud.

# 3. Alpha Scuti the brightest star in Scutum.

Q&A Corner

Q. What is Scutum also known as?

Q. How many main stars does Scutum have?

Q. What is the brightest star in Scutum?

Q. How many stars have planets in Scutum?

Q. What number star ranking is Scutum in the celestial sphere?

Download questions about the Scutum Constellation here: Scutum Constellation (answers are on this page)

Teachers. For more in depth work sheets on constellations. Click on Kidskonnect Worksheets  

For further reading and more information on the Scutum Constellation visit www.constellation-guide.com/Scutum