Constellations are memorable maps to the stars, dating back many thousands of years.

Many of the constellations are associated with the Gods and Godesses of ancient Greek mythology.

The International Astronomical Union (IAU) has divided the sky into 88 official constellations with exact boundaries, so that every direction or location in the sky belongs to one constellation. Astronomers use this as a rough guideline for location objects, e.g. when they say that Mars is in the constellation of Gemini, it can be found within the borders of the constellation. The constellations that the Sun pass through each year are known as the Zodiac.

Ophiuchus

The Serpent-Bearer

Ophiuchus is depicted as a man supporting a Serpens; the interposition of his body divides the snake into two parts, Serpens Caput and Serpens Cauda, which are nonetheless counted as one constellation.

Ophiuchus Mythology

One interpretation is that the figure represents the legendary physician Asclepius, who learned the secrets of life and death from one serpent bringing another some herbs which healed it (Asclepius had previously tried to kill it). In order to avoid the human race becoming immortal under Asclepius' care, Zeus eventually killed him with a bolt of lightning, but placed him in the heavens to honour his good works.

Further Information

The brightest stars in Ophiuchus include α Ophiuchi, called Rasalhague (at the figure's head), and λ Ophiuchi, a triple star (at his elbow). RS Ophiuchi is part of a strange class called recurrent novae, whose brightness increase at irregular intervals by hundreds of times in a period of just a few days. It is thought to be at the brink of becoming a type-1a supernova.

Ophiuchus Photographs

Sorry, I have no photographs of this constellation yet.