Scorpio

In my previous input, I wrote the following: “I was asked some time ago about the constellation Scorpio and at that time, I was unsure about it. But I would like to mention to this person that yes… it is visible to you. So I’d like to dedicate a brief article to this”. However, before I begin, I would also like to point out something very very important regarding this input and the topic in general.

Astronomy vs astrology

Zodiac signs such as Scorpio are often connected with “astrology”, which is not to be confused with “astronomy”. So what’s the difference?

Astronomy is a scientific study of the celestial bodies (stars, planets, etc), and the striving to increase such knowledge is encouraged as it helps us with many earthly aspects such as prayer times, the Islamic calendar, and navigaton among other things… but more than that, it also shows us many astronomical signs and wonders that can only come from Allah… in fact, it is my personal belief that the more knowledge we find out there… the harder it will be to deny the existence of Allah.

سورة فُصِّلَت ٥٣
سَنُرِيهِمۡ ءَايَٰتِنَا فِي ٱلۡأٓفَاقِ وَفِيٓ أَنفُسِهِمۡ حَتَّىٰ يَتَبَيَّنَ لَهُمۡ أَنَّهُ ٱلۡحَقُّۗ أَوَلَمۡ يَكۡفِ بِرَبِّكَ أَنَّهُۥ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيۡءٖ شَهِيدٌ

Surah Fussilat 41:53
We will show them Our Signs in the universe, and in their own selves, until it becomes manifest to them that this (the Qur’an) is the truth. Is it not sufficient in regard to your Lord that He is a Witness over all things?

Astrology on the other hand, is a belief that celestial bodies (stars, planets, etc) influence human destiny, that it affects our lives and behaviour. It is often used for personal insight, predictions, and spiritual guidance. Islam, very understandably, considers such a belief haram. We only need to consider that through the following ayat…

سورة البَقَرَة ١٠٧
أَلَمۡ تَعۡلَمۡ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَهُۥ مُلۡكُ ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضِۗ وَمَا لَكُم مِّن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ مِن وَلِيّٖ وَلَا نَصِيرٍ

سورة لُقمَان ٣٤
إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عِندَهُۥ عِلۡمُ ٱلسَّاعَةِ وَيُنَزِّلُ ٱلۡغَيۡثَ وَيَعۡلَمُ مَا فِي ٱلۡأَرۡحَامِۖ وَمَا تَدۡرِي نَفۡسٞ مَّاذَا تَكۡسِبُ غَدٗاۖ وَمَا تَدۡرِي نَفۡسُۢ بِأَيِّ أَرۡضٖ تَمُوتُۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَلِيمٌ خَبِيرُۢ

Surah Al-Baqara 2:107
Knowest thou not that to Allah belongeth the dominion of the heavens and the earth? And besides Him ye have neither patron nor helper.

Surah Luqman 31:34
Verily the knowledge of the Hour is with Allah (alone). It is He Who sends down rain, and He Who knows what is in the wombs. Nor does any one know what it is that he will earn on the morrow: Nor does any one know in what land he is to die. Verily with Allah is full knowledge and He is acquainted (with all things).

It is important also to point out that the zodiac constellations are not a result of astrology—they are a result of astronomy and observations of the stars. However, astrology later assigned meaning to them. On that note, I want to point out that this input and topic discussed here today, has nothing to do with astrology. It is simply to provide a dear friend and sister the guidance on where and how this beautiful constellation can be found and seen on the nightsky.

Surah Al-Hijr 15:16
It is We Who have set out the zodiacal signs in the heavens, and made them fair-seeming to (all) beholders

So let’s take a look at how we can observe one of Allah’s beautiful creations…

Where to see the constellation Scorpio

Scorpio is located around the southern part of our planet, meaning it appears low on the horizon or not at all for observers in the far north. For those who live in Europe, such as myself, we may see a part of it but not the whole constellation in full. For those who live in Jordan, (like my dear sister who asked me for this information), and south of Jordan, should be able to see it fully. It may not be visible throughout the entire year, it all depends on daytime hours as well as the location of the sign Scorpio. I have run my virtual planetarium at current date (28th March), from two different times, 1 am, and 5am, from the location of the city in the south of Jordan where our sister is located. It should be fairly similar for anyone else who live close to Jordan, but if you want specifics, feel free to leave a comment and I’ll post updated information inshallah.

As can be seen at the bottom of this screen, this was today, (28th March), at 1:00 am, (this is from the south of Jordan, but should be similar in locations near to Jordan). This is not just for today but should remain pretty much the same for the next couple of weeks with small changes, if viewed at this time.

If you are in Jordan, (or near to Jordan), you should be looking to the south east and it should be fairly low on the horizon at that time.

This was at around 5 am today… (should remain fairly similar in the weeks to come), which I also believe was around the time of Fajr in the location of my dear friend and sister who asked for this information. As you can see, the constellation has moved, and is now sligthly higher on the nightsky and fully visible. It may be a strategic time to look for it after Fajr prayer, as long as the nightsky is still dark.

It has moved across the sky a little from the south east, to the south and will continue westwards. So generally, you will be looking towards the south.

But all I see are a bunch of bright dots in the sky, how will I know it?

Start by memorizing the shape of the constellation… put this image in your mind as you search for it. Obviously, the stars won’t have lines… but if we can single out the shape from the stars… then we have found what we are looking for. A good strategy is to find certain aspects of the consetellation… like this…

Try looking for specifics… like the tail of the Scorpio constellation…. can you find a group of stars that match it?

Or the head of the constellation? Once you have an end/beginning… you can start to look for nearby stars that match the figure.

Perhaps the best strategy is to locate the consteallations strongest star, Antares. It is a rather strongly lit star generally, (and the strongest in the constellation). If you know in which direction to look, then search for a strongly lit star, (it should have a slightly red-ish/orange glow). Look at the nearby stars surrounding it, and see if you can find the full shape.

I hope these tips and strategies help, inshallah. Should further help be needed, write a comment and I’ll do what I can to assist. If you think you have found it, take a photo, and feel free to send it to my official email account marcustrogen@fauithfulvibes.com. Let me know in the comments that a photo has been sent and I will analyse it.

I hope it has been an interesting read. And as I am very interested in the topic of astronomy, I am glad to help others, if there is anyone else who wish to find a constellation. Let me know in such a case.

Eid is coming up on Sunday inshallah, I aim to post an input after the Eid gathering/Khutba and update you on what’s been going on during the day, so don’t miss it. It should be up sometime in the afternoon or evening of Sunday inshallah. I wish everyone a very beautiful time in these days inshallah, and of course… for today, Djumma Mubarak.

The best of times to you all inshallah.
Peace, happiness, and stay faithful.