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Ophiuchus (the Serpent Bearer or Snake Holder) is a constellation located on the celestial equator. It is also the thirteenth constellation that crosses the ecliptic, like the twelve constellations of the zodiac. Because of this, Ophiuchus is sometimes referred to as the thirteenth sign of the zodiac. It is "wedged" between Scorpius to the west and Sagittarius to the east. The constellation is often associated with Asclepius in Greek mythology. Its brightest star is Rasalhague.
Ophiuchus the Serpent Bearer is virtually inseparable from Serpens the Serpent, so it is rarely depicted as a stand-alone constellation. It represents a stick figure with a large body holding a snake, represented by lines extending for both sides. Therefore, the snake itself is divided into two parts: Serpens Caput (head) to the west and Serpens Cauda (tail) to the east. The east and west of the celestial sphere are mirrored because the sphere is observed from the inside.
Examples
Ophiuchus
Ophiuchus and Serpens
Neighboring constellations
External links
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