Ophiuchus
Where is Ophiuchus?
Look southwest, about 23° up at 20:20. It sinks lower through the evening and sets at 23:05.
- Rises
- 11:44
- Highest
- 17:26
- Sets
- 23:05
- Best after dark
- 20:20 · 23°
How to find Ophiuchus
Nearby constellations include Serpens, Scutum, Scorpius and Sagittarius.
Its center is at right ascension 17h 22m, declination −5°. Use the chart above: north is up and east is to the left, as when you face south from the Northern Hemisphere.
Best time to see Ophiuchus
Ophiuchus is highest in the evening sky, around 10 pm, in July. A month or two either side it is still well placed, earlier or later in the night. All of it rises above the horizon from latitudes of about 60° N to 70° S.
From London tonight, Ophiuchus is above the horizon after dark. It’s highest soon after dark, around 20:20, in the southwest at 23°.
This is position and timing only: clouds, haze and light pollution aren’t included.
Seeing Ophiuchus
Eyes
Its brightest star, undefined, is easy to see. Tracing the whole pattern is easier away from bright lights.
Binoculars
Binoculars show many more stars than your eye, and bring out star clusters and brighter nebulae inside it.
Telescope
The constellation is far too large for a telescope’s view. Use one for the clusters, nebulae and galaxies inside it.
About
Ophiuchus (genitive Ophiuchi, abbreviated Oph) is one of the 88 constellations recognized by the International Astronomical Union, which together cover the whole sky.
SkyMate’s web catalog includes 2 named stars and 7 deep-sky objects in Ophiuchus.
Brightest stars and objects in Ophiuchus
Questions
When is Ophiuchus visible?
Can I see Ophiuchus from where I live?
Sources: IAU; Wikidata (CC0); SkyMate. Positions computed for your place and time with astronomy-engine. Data & Licences