Serpiente
Serpent (Serpentis)
Serpens, the Serpent, is unique in being the only constellation split into two separate parts: Serpens Caput (the Serpent's Head) and Serpens Cauda (the Serpent's Tail). Ophiuchus, the Serpent-Bearer, lies between them, holding the snake. The constellation contains the famous Eagle Nebula (M16) with its 'Pillars of Creation' in Serpens Cauda.
📜 Mitología
Serpens represents the snake held by Asclepius, the god of medicine (depicted as Ophiuchus). The serpent was sacred to Asclepius because it symbolized renewal and healing - snakes appear to rejuvenate by shedding their skins. In Greek medicine, serpent venom was believed to have healing properties, and non-venomous snakes were kept in Asclepius's healing temples, where they would crawl over sleeping patients. Today, the serpent coiled around a staff (the Rod of Asclepius) remains the symbol of medicine.
💡 Datos curiosos
- ✦Serpens is the only constellation divided into two non-contiguous parts
- ✦The Eagle Nebula (M16) contains the famous 'Pillars of Creation' photographed by Hubble
- ✦Unukalhai, the brightest star, comes from the Arabic for 'serpent's neck'