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The American Association of Amateur Astronomers

Learn the Constellations
The First Light Astronomy Kit from David Chandler Company

 Buy it Now or Find Out More

The Constellations Serpens - The Snake

Ophiucus and Serpens Area Map from the Atlas for Small Telescopes and Binoculars by David and Billie ChandlerOphiucus and Serpens are two constellations which lie on or along the summer Milky Way. As they lie near the center of our galaxy, the area is abundant in globular clusters, which are concentrated around that center. While many observers think that all globular clusters look alike, careful observations show that each has its own peculiarities which distinguish it from its brethren. Spend some time with these objects to learn their individual characteristics, and don't be afraid to use high powers. Their very nature invites you discern their structure with the finer resolution available through higher magnification. The constellation of Serpens is notable in that it is the only constellation which is divided into two parts.

Ophiuchus, the Serpent Bearer, separates Serpens (Caput), the Serpent's Head, from Serpens (Cauda), the Serpent's Tail. This area is not only rich in mythology, but also warrants attention while waiting for Sagittarius and the heart of the Milky Way to rise.

SERPENS

M-5 - One of my favorite globular clusters. It is 10-12' in diameter, well resolved almost to it center. Composed of relatively bright stars, the outer region of seems to swirl in arcs. With a little imagination, one can envision it as a spiral galaxy seen face on. Spend some time on this one.

M-16 - The Eagle Nebula and Cluster. While photographs of this object highlight the beautiful nebulosity in the region, visually, the open star cluster is the predominant feature. It is about 15' in diameter and separated into two concentrations of stars, one to the northwest, and one to the southeast. I counted about 30-35 stars in both sections. The nebulosity is faintly visible as being attached to the eastern part of the northwestern stellar concentration, and separating the two portions. A UHC filter greatly enhances the view, showing the Eagle pattern clearly and its relation to the cluster. This anonymous image is from the SEDS website. http://seds.lpl.arizona.edu/messier/m/m016.html

Article © Copyright Rick Raasch
Photos and Text
© Copyright Edward P. Flaspoehler, Jr.

Messier Objects in Serpens (Cauda)

Con

Messier

Type

R.A.

Dec.

Mag.

Size

NGC#

Ser

M5

Globular Cluster

15h 18.6

2d 5

7.0

17.4'

5904

Ser

M16

Cluster/Nebula

18h 18.8

-13d 47

6.5

7.0'

6611

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