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Ophiuchus: The Serpent Bearer Rises!
29 Jun
Summary
- Ophiuchus, the serpent bearer constellation, is visible opposite Orion.
- Ancient myths link Ophiuchus to Apollo and Asclepius's healing secrets.
- The constellation bisects Serpens, separating its head and tail.
This week, skygazers can search for Ophiuchus, the serpent bearer, a vast yet faint constellation. Positioned in the night sky opposite Orion, Ophiuchus was first listed by Ptolemy in the 2nd century. Its mythological roots differ between Greek and Roman traditions, variously depicting Apollo wrestling a serpent or Asclepius learning healing arts from a serpent.
Ophiuchus uniquely bisects the Serpens constellation, with Serpens Caput (serpent's head) to its west and Serpens Cauda (serpent's tail) to its east. This placement makes it easily observable from both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. On the evening of June 29, 2026, observers will notice a nearly full moon situated within the teapot asterism of the Sagittarius constellation.
