This week, stargazers are invited to locate Ophiuchus, the serpent bearer, a large but faint constellation that holds a unique place in the night sky. As one of the original 48 constellations catalogued by Ptolemy in the 2nd century, Ophiuchus lies opposite Orion, the hunter, and straddles the celestial equator, making it visible from both the northern and southern hemispheres.
Viewing Details and Lunar Position
The chart shows the view looking south from London at 11pm BST on Monday, 29 June 2026. While the view remains essentially unchanged throughout the week, on this particular evening a nearly full moon sits squarely within the teapot asterism of Sagittarius, the archer. This alignment provides a convenient marker for observers to locate the surrounding constellations.
Mythological Backgrounds
Ophiuchus carries differing classical backstories. In classical Greek mythology, it represents Apollo wrestling with the serpent that guarded the Oracle at Delphi. The Roman version offers a completely different narrative: Ophiuchus is Asclepius, who learned the secrets of immortality by watching a serpent treat another with healing compounds made from herbs. To prevent humans from gaining this godly power, Zeus killed Asclepius with a bolt of lightning.
Celestial Structure
The constellation bisects the constellation Serpens, the serpent. To the west of Ophiuchus lies Serpens Caput, the head of the serpent; to the east is Serpens Cauda, the serpent's tail. This unique structure makes Ophiuchus a fascinating target for amateur astronomers.
Straddling the celestial equator, Ophiuchus is easily visible from both hemispheres. From Sydney, for example, it is well placed in the northern sky at this time of year, offering a comparable viewing experience for observers in the southern hemisphere.
