SkyRef / Constellations

The Ophiuchus constellation

The Serpent Bearer. Best placed in March. It straddles the celestial equator, so it is visible from essentially anywhere on Earth at the right time of year.

Where and when

Also known asthe Serpent Bearer
Best monthMarch
Right ascension17.2h
Declination+3°
Line segments3

Finding it

Ophiuchus, known in English as the Serpent Bearer, is centred near right ascension 17.2 hours, declination +3°. It straddles the celestial equator, so it is visible from essentially anywhere on Earth at the right time of year.

It reaches its highest point in the sky around local midnight in March, which is when it is easiest to pick out. Earlier in the year it rises before dawn; later, it is already setting in the evening.

Bright stars in this part of the sky

StarDesignationMagnitude
Rasalhagueα Oph2.08

See it on the live map

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Other constellations

AndromedaAntliaApusAquariusAquilaAraAriesAurigaBoötesCaelumCamelopardalisCancerCanes VenaticiCanis MajorCanis MinorCapricornusCarinaCassiopeiaCentaurusCepheusCetusChamaeleonCircinusColumbaComa BerenicesCorona AustrinaCorona BorealisCorvusCraterCruxCygnusDelphinusDoradoDracoEquuleusEridanusFornaxGeminiGrusHercules