Juno is located between Mu, the southernmost star in Serpens Caput, and Yed Prior (Delta Ophiuchi), the westernmost star in Ophiuchus.īe sure to also take a look at Venus, which should appear low in the northwest just after sunset. These two halves of Serpens are known as Serpens Caput and Serpens Cauda. Early physicians used snake venom in some of their treatments, so Asclepius is depicted holding a severed snake: head in one hand, tail in the other. Ophiuchus is known as "the serpent bearer" also called Asclepius in roman mythology, the father of medicine. In fact, the sun, moon, and planets spend far more time in Ophiuchus than they do in Scorpius next door. Astronomers found this amusing because they had recognized Ophiuchus as a large and important constellation for thousands of years. Ophiuchus was in the news recently when some astrologers decided to add it to the 12 zodiac constellations. On Sunday night (May 20), Juno will be nicely framed by two fairly bright stars, Yed Prior in Ophiuchus and Mu Serpentis in the western part of the only two-part constellation, Serpens. This is exactly the way that astronomers detect new asteroids and comets: by their movement. If Juno looks just like a star, how will you know if you've seen it? Make a sketch of the field and check again the next night or even the next hour. A more detailed view of the asteroid Juno, half way between Yed Prior in Ophiuchus and Mu Serpentis.
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