Ofiuco
Ophiuchus (Ophiuchi)
Ophiuchus, the Serpent-Bearer, is a large constellation on the celestial equator, depicting a man grasping a serpent (Serpens). Though not officially a zodiacal constellation, the ecliptic passes through Ophiuchus, meaning the Sun spends more time here than in Scorpius. The constellation is rich in globular clusters and lies in a complex region of the Milky Way.
📜 Mitología
Ophiuchus represents Asclepius, the Greek god of medicine and healing. Son of Apollo and the mortal Coronis, Asclepius was raised by the centaur Chiron, who taught him the healing arts. Asclepius became so skilled he could resurrect the dead. This alarmed Hades, god of the underworld, who complained to Zeus. Zeus killed Asclepius with a thunderbolt but honored him by placing him among the stars. The serpent represents wisdom and the snake's ability to renew itself by shedding its skin - the medical symbol 'Rod of Asclepius' comes from this figure.
💡 Datos curiosos
- ✦The Sun passes through Ophiuchus from November 30 to December 18, more time than it spends in Scorpius
- ✦Ophiuchus contains seven Messier globular clusters, more than any other constellation
- ✦Barnard's Star, the second closest star system to Earth at 6 light-years, lies in Ophiuchus