Constellation · Ser
Serpens
The Serpent
The only constellation in two separate parts, Serpens Caput (the head) and Serpens Cauda (the tail), with Ophiuchus between them. The Eagle Nebula (M16) is in the tail.
Magnitude 2.63
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 Serpens
Brightest first. A lower magnitude means a brighter star.
- Unukalhai (Alpha Serpentis)mag 2.63
- Nasak Shamiya (Beta Serpentis)mag 3.65
- Nasak Yamani (Delta Serpentis)mag 3.80
- Gudja (Kappa Serpentis)mag 4.09
- Alava (Zeta Serpentis)mag 4.62
- Alya (Theta¹ Serpentis)mag 4.62
Can you see Serpens 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 | Serpens |
|---|---|
| 60°N | The whole constellation rises and sets |
| 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 Serpens
When is Serpens best seen?
Serpens 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 Serpens?
The brightest star in Serpens is Unukalhai (Alpha Serpentis), magnitude 2.63.
Where on Earth can you see Serpens?
The whole of Serpens can be seen from latitudes between about 64°S and 74°N. From 40°N: The whole constellation rises and sets. From 35°S: The whole constellation rises and sets.
What does Serpens mean?
Serpens is Latin for "the Serpent". One of Ptolemy's 48 ancient constellations (2nd century).