Serpens
Where is Serpens?
Look southwest, about 25° up at 20:20. It sinks lower through the evening and sets at 23:10.
- Rises
- 10:10
- Highest
- 16:42
- Sets
- 23:10
- Best after dark
- 20:20 · 25°
How to find Serpens
Nearby constellations include Ophiuchus, Hercules, Corona Borealis and Libra.
Its center is at right ascension 16h 38m, 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 Serpens
Serpens is highest in the evening sky, around 10 pm, in June. 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 50° S.
From London tonight, Serpens is above the horizon after dark. It’s highest soon after dark, around 20:20, in the southwest at 25°.
This is position and timing only: clouds, haze and light pollution aren’t included.
Seeing Serpens
Eyes
Its stars are fairly faint (the brightest, its alpha star, is mag 2.6). You’ll need a sky away from bright lights to trace the pattern.
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
Serpens (genitive Serpentis, abbreviated Ser) is one of the 88 constellations recognized by the International Astronomical Union, which together cover the whole sky.
SkyMate’s web catalog includes 1 named star and 1 deep-sky object in Serpens.
Brightest stars and objects in Serpens
Questions
When is Serpens visible?
Can I see Serpens from where I live?
Sources: IAU; Wikidata (CC0); SkyMate. Positions computed for your place and time with astronomy-engine. Data & Licences