Serpens
Serpens (the snake) is one of the 88 modern
constellations, and was also one of the 48 listed by
Ptolemy. Among the modern constellations it is unique in being split into two pieces,
Serpens Caput (representing the head of the snake) to the west and
Serpens Cauda (representing the tail) to the east. Between these two pieces lies the constellation of
Ophiuchus, the serpent bearer.
Notable features
Since Serpens is regarded as being one constellation despite being split into two halves, the ordering of Bayer designations goes in order of brightness among both constellations.
Only one of the stars in Serpens is brighter than third magnitude, so the constellation is not easy to perceive. α Serpentis, named Unukalhai, is in Caput. δ Serpentis, also in Caput, is a double star only 27 light-years from Earth. θ Serpentis, in Cauda, is also double.
Stars in Caput include α, β, γ, δ, ε, ι, κ, λ, μ, π, ρ, σ, τ, χ and ω Serpentis. Stars in Cauda include ζ, η, θ, ν, ξ, and ο Serpentis.
\nNotable deep-sky objects
M5, a globular cluster approximately 8° southwest of α Serpentis in Caput, is among the most beautiful in the sky.
M16 is a young open cluster associated with the Eagle Nebula, a diffuse nebula which is a region of current star foermation\nin Serpens Cauda.
Part of the Milky Way passes through Serpens Cauda.
Mythology
Serpens is the snake being grasped by Ophiuchus, the Snake-Handler, q.v. Originally they were all one very large constellation.
Category:Constellations\n\n
