Serpens constellation

Serpens is one of the 88 constellations, and it represents the serpent. It is highest in the sky at midnight around 19 May, and its whole figure rises above the horizon from 86°N to 72°S.

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Serpens at a glance

Represents
the serpent
Highest at midnight
19 May
Highest at 9 pm
3 July
Seen whole from
86°N to 72°S
Stars in the figure
7 stars
Origin
Ptolemy's list, 2nd century

When to see Serpens

Serpens is highest in the sky at midnight around 19 May and at 9 pm around 3 July. Each month it is highest about two hours earlier than the month before.

The times are local solar time. Clocks on summer time or daylight saving time read about one hour later.

When Serpens is highest each month
DateHighest at
15 January08:10
15 February06:10
15 March04:20
15 April02:20
15 May00:20
15 June22:10
15 July20:10
15 August18:10
15 September16:10
15 October14:10
15 November12:10
15 December10:10

Where to look for Serpens

From the northern hemisphere

From 40°N, Serpens rises in the east and sets in the west. It is highest around midnight on 19 May, 60° above the southern horizon.

From the southern hemisphere

From 35°S, Serpens rises in the east and sets in the west. It is highest around midnight on 19 May, 45° above the northern horizon.

Brightest stars in Serpens

None of the stars of Serpens is brighter than magnitude 2.3, so it is best seen from a dark place away from city lights. Its brightest stick-figure stars are about magnitude 2.

Serpens in myth and history

Serpens is the only constellation in two parts: Serpens Caput, the head, and Serpens Cauda, the tail. The two lie on either side of Ophiuchus, who holds the snake. The stick figure on our star maps draws the head.

Serpens is one of the 48 constellations that the astronomer Ptolemy listed in the 2nd century.

Constellations next to Serpens

Find Serpens in your sky

Questions about Serpens