Ophiuchus Constellation

The entry of Ophiuchus, as the 13th zodiac sign, was received with a lot of criticism and anger. It changed the total scenario of the zodiac world as well as shook the firmly based zodiac sign structure. According to new zodiac signs 2011, Ophiuchus (pronounced Off-ee-yoo-kuss) is the 13th zodiac sign that is placed in between Scorpio and Sagittarius. According to astronomy, zodiac constellation is a constellation (group of stars) from which the ecliptic or the sun's path follows. We have constellations of all the 12 signs of the zodiac, and also that of Ophiuchus. Here we will see information on the same along with the mythology related to it.

Constellation Ophiuchus Mythology

According to the mythology associated with this constellation, Ophiuchus was Asclepius who was God of medicine and son of Apollo. Asclepius was raised by a centaur named as Chiron. Asclepius learned the art of healing and medicine from Chiron. According to legend, King Minos of Crete sent for Asclepius in order to save his son who had fallen into a jar of honey. However, by the time Asclepius could reach there, the boy had drowned and was dead. At the same time, Asclepius saw a snake approaching towards him. He moved quickly and killed the snake with his stick. A short time later, another snake arrived with a herb in its mouth. The snake placed the herb on the body of the dead snake which brought it back to life. On seeing this, Asclepius placed the same herb on the dead boy and he too was brought back to life!

Now, with this action, the God of underworld, Hades was angered due to loss of a soul and hence, he informed the King of Gods and his brother Zeus about the same. Zeus stuck Asclepius with his thunderbolt and killed him instantly. Apollo was deeply sorrowed by the death of his son and complained to Zeus. Zeus in turn pacified him by placing Asclepius in the sky in the form of the constellation.

According to another version, Asclepius was a renowned physician who lived on Earth thousands of years back. He learned the secret of bringing back people from the dead through a serpent. However, as this was against the laws of nature, Zeus killed Asclepius with his thunderbolt. However, he appreciated the skills, knowledge and goodwill of Asclepius and hence, gave him a place in the sky. Zeus also placed the magical snake in the hands of Asclepius and hence, he got the name Serpentarius or Ophiuchus (which means the snake bearer).

Facts About Ophiuchus Constellation

One of the most interesting facts about this constellation is that it is the only constellation and zodiac sign based on a human being who actually lived on Earth thousands of years back. Let us go through some more interesting facts about this constellation:

• Abbreviation of the constellation is 'Oph' and it is known as the 'snake holder or serpent bearer' in English
• The constellation of Ophiuchus is located between Aquila, Serpens and Hercules; and exactly opposite Orion
• The zodiac constellations of Libra, Scorpius and Sagittarius also border this constellation.
• The constellation of Ophiuchus divides the constellation of Serpens into two parts (Serpens Caput and Serpens Cauda)
• Till this year, this constellation was not considered as a zodiac constellation in spite of sun passing through it in the month of December
• Summer is the best time to view this constellation in the northern hemisphere
• α Oph (Ras Alhague) is the brightest star found in this constellation
• M9, M10, M12, M14, M19, M62, and M107, NGC 6356, are some of the globular clusters belonging to this constellation.

Although the presence of the 13th zodiac sign (Ophiuchus) may be unwelcome in the world, its constellation is definitely one of the most interesting constellations to view. If you ever get a chance to view it, do not miss the chance to witness the legendary serpent bearer! Good luck!