Ophiuchus/ɒfiˈjuːkəs/ is a large constellation located around the celestial equator. Its name is from the GreekὈφιοῦχος "serpent-bearer", and it is commonly represented as a man grasping the snake that is represented by the constellation Serpens. Ophiuchus was one of the 48 constellations listed by the 2nd-century astronomer Ptolemy, and it remains one of the 88 modern constellations. It was formerly referred to as Serpentarius/sɜːrpənˈtɛəriəs/ and Anguitenens.
Location
Ophiuchus is located between Aquila, Serpens and Hercules, northwest of the center of the Milky Way. The southern part lies between Scorpius to the west and Sagittarius to the east. In the northern hemisphere, it is best visible in summer. It is located opposite Orion in the sky. Ophiuchus is depicted as a man grasping a serpent; the interposition of his body divides the snake constellation Serpens into two parts, Serpens Caput and Serpens Cauda, which are nonetheless counted as one constellation.
Ophiuchus straddles the equator but lies predominately to its south. However, Rasalhague, a fairly conspicuous star in its north, is circumpolar north of 78° north latitude. The constellation extends southward to −30° declination. Segments of the ecliptic that lie within Ophiuchus lie south of −20° declination. A determination of exactly where these stars are visible on Earth would depend on atmospheric refraction, the Novaya Zemlya effect, mountains and clouds.
The idea appears to have originated in 1970 with Stephen Schmidt's suggestion of a 14-sign zodiac (also including Cetus as a sign). A 13-sign zodiac has been suggested by Walter Berg and by Mark Yazaki in 1995, a suggestion that achieved some popularity in Japan, where Ophiuchus is known as Hebitsukai-Za(へびつかい座?, "The Serpent Bearer").
In sidereal and tropical astrology (including sun sign astrology) a 12-sign zodiac is used based on dividing the ecliptic into 12 equal parts rather than the IAU constellation boundaries. That is, astrological signs do not correspond to the constellations which are their namesakes, particularly not in the case of the tropical system where the divisions are fixed relative to the equinox, moving relative to the constellations.
Ophiuchus are a folk/roots rock group from Castle Combe, Wiltshire, England, formed in 1986 by twin brothers - guitarist Jon and bassist Simon Cousins, with saxophonist Pat D'Arcy and photographer, graphic designer Martin Tom Sawyer.
A variety of musicians have performed with the band, including drummer Ed Grimshaw (later of the Warm Jets) and the legendary La's co-founder Mike Badger. The main line-up (1987–1989) was: Jon Cousins (lead vocals/guitar/tin whistle) and Pat D'Arcy (saxophones), with Pete Causer (melodeon/flute/bodhrán), Xavier Tutein (bass), and Myke Vince (drums)
The band released the double A-side, "Serpent And The Bearded King"/"Song For Pym" (produced by Climax Blues Band guitarist Pete Haycock) on their own label, Ophiuchvs Recordvs, and an album on Liverpool's Probe Plus label.
In 2010, after a break of nearly 21 years, the original line-up of the band reformed to perform a number of 'Ophiuchus Reunion' concerts - including an appearance at the 40th anniversary of Glastonbury Festival.
... a circular disc above a scorpion, possibly representing the GreekScorpion constellation, and a tall bird bending towards a wriggling snake, which could depict the autumnal constellation Ophiuchus.
The Ophiuchus constellation ... The word Ophiuchus might mean nothing to most people, but to astrology aficionados, it is well known as what may have been the 13th sign of the zodiac ... What is the Ophiuchus constellation?.
That’sOphiuchus the Serpent Bearer. Ophiuchus and his snake were named by the Greek astronomer Ptolemy in the second century AD and Ophiuchus was a doctor because snakes were used as medicine in ancient times ...It’s Ophiuchus the Serpent Bearer.
Messier 14 is one of seven, Messier-designated globular clusters lying within Ophiuchus’ territory ... Messier 14 (NGC 6402) lies in Ophiuchus, eight degrees south-south-west of magnitude +2.7 Cebalrai (beta [β] Ophiuchi).
Often referred to as the thirteenth sign of the zodiac, Ophiuchus sits alongside Sagittarius and Scorpius. Now is a great time to spot it, says Abigail Beall ... .
