Hawaiian Astronomical Society

Constellations: Serpens -- A Medical Symbol

Myth

Serpens is a two section constellation: Divided into head and body by the intervening Ophiuchus. Ophiuchus represented Esculapius, the ancient healer, and Serpens was his symbol of healing. This same snake is found on the symbol of medicine worldwide, the caduceus.

Maps

Each map can be clicked on to produce a 916x1200 version of it. They sport red labels, which look good on screen, but which disappear when used with red flashlights. Each map, therefore has a second link to a map better suited for printing in a graphics program, and using in the field. While they are quite large, they are all about 50k, and so are easy to view at today's modem speeds. The first map is a wide area view of the constellation, suitable for naked eye browsing. The next views are binocular width, showing stars to mag. 10, deepsky objects to mag. 12.9, and labeling deepsky objects to magnitude 12.

Interactive, wide area map of Serpens and Ophiuchus

Click the map for a 916x1200 version of the above. Click here for a map better suited for use in the field.

The Serpent's Body (Northeastern Section)

This a more detailed view of the constellation. The map displays stars to magnitude 10, and deepsky objects to magnitude 12.Click here for a map better suited for use in the field.

The Serpent's Body (Southwestern Section)

Click here for a map better suited for use in the field.

The Serpent's Head

Click here for a map better suited for use in the field.

Images

76k JPEG. IC4756 is a large (50') open cluster containing roughly 80 stars of mag. 7 and fainter. Total mag. is 5.4, and it is a naked eye object from a dark location. Located on the north end of Serpens Cauda, It makes a good binocular pair with NGC6633 in Ophiuchus, 3° to the WNW.

Map	Printable Map

The Eagle Nebula (M16)

197k GIF.M16 (NGC 6611) is a brilliant open cluster and nebula in the Serpent's Body, located on the border of Sagittarius. While the cluster has about 100 stars and shines at mag. 6, the nebulosity is much fainter, and requires a dark sky, or a nebula filter.

Map

Printable Map

More info.

Image thumbnail 12k JPEG. M5 (NGC5904), taken with the SUNY Stony Brook 14" Celestron telescope and ST-6 CCD camera. M5 is a bright (mag. 5.8), large (17') globular cluster in the southern cauda (body) region of Serpens. Dreyer adds that it has an extremely condensed middle. Stars range from mag. 11-15. It's a magnificent sight in a good 6-8" scope.

Map Printable Map More info.

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