Serpens constellation
Serpens is one of the 88 constellations, and it represents the serpent. It is highest in the sky at midnight around May 19, and its whole figure rises above the horizon from 86°N to 72°S.
Serpens at a glance
- Represents
- the serpent
- Highest at midnight
- May 19
- Highest at 9 pm
- July 3
- 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 May 19 and at 9 pm around July 3. 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.
| Date | Highest at |
|---|---|
| January 15 | 8:10 AM |
| February 15 | 6:10 AM |
| March 15 | 4:20 AM |
| April 15 | 2:20 AM |
| May 15 | 12:20 AM |
| June 15 | 10:10 PM |
| July 15 | 8:10 PM |
| August 15 | 6:10 PM |
| September 15 | 4:10 PM |
| October 15 | 2:10 PM |
| November 15 | 12:10 PM |
| December 15 | 10:10 AM |
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 May 19, 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 May 19, 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
Serpens is highest in the sky at midnight around May 19 and at 9 pm around July 3. The weeks around those dates are the best time to look.
The whole figure of Serpens rises above the horizon from 86°N to 72°S, and at least part of it rises everywhere on Earth.
Serpens represents the serpent. Serpens is one of the 48 constellations that the astronomer Ptolemy listed in the 2nd century.