Ophiuchus

Ophiuchus

Constellation
List of stars in Ophiuchus
Abbreviation	Oph
Genitive	Ophiuchi
Pronunciation	/ˌɒfiˈjuːkəs/ genitive: /ˌɒfiˈjuːkaɪ/
Symbolism	the serpent-bearer
Right ascension	17h
Declination	−8°
Quadrant	SQ3
Area	948 sq. deg. (11th)
Main stars	10
Bayer/Flamsteed stars	65
Stars brighter than 3.00m	5
Stars within 10.00 pc (32.62 ly)	11
Brightest star	α Oph (Rasalhague) (2.08m)
Messier objects	7
Meteor showers	Ophiuchids Northern May Ophiuchids Southern May Ophiuchids Theta Ophiuchids
Bordering constellations	Hercules Serpens Cauda Serpens Caput Libra Scorpius Sagittarius Aquila
Visible at latitudes between +80° and −80°. Best visible at 21:00 (9 p.m.) during the month of July.

Ophiuchus (/ˌɒfiˈjuːkəs/) is a large constellation straddling the celestial equator. Its name comes from the Ancient Greek ὀφιοῦχος (ophioûkhos), meaning "serpent-bearer", and it is commonly represented as a man grasping a snake. The serpent 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. An old alternative name for the constellation was Serpentarius.^[1]