The Constellation Directory

Abbreviation: Oph
Genitive: Ophiuchi
Constellation family: Hercules, Zodiac
Nearest constellations: Aquila, Hercules, Libra, Sagittarius, Scorpius, and Serpens
Right ascension: 17.18h
Declination: -4.24°
Visible between latitudes: +80° and -80°
Square degrees: 948
Luminary: Rasalhague (Alpha Ophiuchi)
Named stars: Rasalhague, Cebalrai, Yed Prior, Yed Posterior
Notable deep sky objects: M9, M10, M12, M14, M19, M63, M107, IC 4665, IC 6404, NGC 6218, NGC 6237, NGC 6240, NGC 6333, NGC 6369, NGC 6402

About

Ophiuchus is a large constellation lying along the celestial equator. It is best seen in July.

While most of the stars in Ophiuchus are relatively dim, the constellation can be recognized by its distinctive teapot shape. It contains Barnard's Star, which is a red dwarf star only six light years away, making it the fourth-closest star to the Sun after stars in Centaurus.

While it is not officially classified as one of the constellations of the Zodiac, Ophiuchus lies along the ecliptic, or the path that the Sun appears to follow in the sky throughout the year. All of the other constellations located along this path are considered part of the Zodiac.

Mythology

In Greek mythology, Ophiuchus represents Asclepius, the god of medicine. He was the son of Apollo and raised by the centaur Chiron, who taught him how to heal. Asclepius' skills increased until he was able to bring the dead back to life, which caused Zeus to kill him with a thunderbolt for disrupting the natural cycle of life.

Asclepius was later placed in the sky and depicted as holding a snake (Serpens). Due at least in part to the association between Asclepius and healing, snakes continue to be a common symbol of medicine.