Constellation · Oph
Ophiuchus
The Serpent Bearer
A large constellation that the Sun passes through each year, from about 30 November to 17 December, although it is not one of the twelve zodiac signs. Barnard's Star lies in Ophiuchus.
Magnitude 2.08
Highest in the sky at 9 pm local time (summer in the northern hemisphere)
Latitudes where every part of it rises above the horizon at some time of year
The whole sky covers about 41,253 square degrees
Stars brighter than about magnitude 6, the naked-eye limit under dark skies
Named stars in Ophiuchus
Brightest first. A lower magnitude means a brighter star.
- Rasalhague (Alpha Ophiuchi)mag 2.08
- Sabik (Eta Ophiuchi)mag 2.43
- Saik (Zeta Ophiuchi)mag 2.54
- Yed Prior (Delta Ophiuchi)mag 2.73
- Cebalrai (Beta Ophiuchi)mag 2.76
- Yed Posterior (Epsilon Ophiuchi)mag 3.23
Can you see Ophiuchus from where you live?
This depends only on your latitude. Pick the row nearest to you; for your exact sky tonight, use the sky map.
| Latitude | Ophiuchus |
|---|---|
| 60°N | Only part of it ever clears the horizon |
| 40°N | The whole constellation rises and sets |
| 20°N | The whole constellation rises and sets |
| the equator | The whole constellation rises and sets |
| 20°S | The whole constellation rises and sets |
| 40°S | The whole constellation rises and sets |
| 60°S | The whole constellation rises and sets |
Questions about Ophiuchus
When is Ophiuchus best seen?
Ophiuchus stands highest in the sky at 9 pm local time in July. That makes summer evenings the best time for observers in the northern hemisphere; in the southern hemisphere the season is reversed.
What is the brightest star in Ophiuchus?
The brightest star in Ophiuchus is Rasalhague (Alpha Ophiuchi), magnitude 2.08.
Where on Earth can you see Ophiuchus?
The whole of Ophiuchus can be seen from latitudes between about 76°S and 60°N. From 40°N: The whole constellation rises and sets. From 35°S: The whole constellation rises and sets.
What does Ophiuchus mean?
Ophiuchus is Latin for "the Serpent Bearer". One of Ptolemy's 48 ancient constellations (2nd century).