Eta

Its story

Eta Scorpii lights up the Scorpion's tail, not far from the celestial sting formed by Shaula and Lesath. At 73 light-years, this yellow F-type subgiant spins on its axis at a remarkable rate —more than a hundred kilometres per second at its equator—, enough to flatten it slightly. Its calm brilliance makes it one of the easiest stars to find for anyone tracing the constellation's curve southward.