Serpens is a constellation near the celestial equator composed of two regions – Serpens Caput and Serpens Cauda – with the region of the constellation Ophiochus between them.
Serpens is the only constellation in the sky that consists of two disconnected parts. The two parts are formed of long chains of stars, which are interrupted by Ophiuchus. The western part of the snake is called Serpens Caput (snake, head), the eastern part is called Serpens Cauda (snake, tail). The head has a distinctive triangular shape.
| Serpens | |
|---|---|
| Latin name | Serpens |
| Latin genitive | Serpentis |
| Abbreviation | Ser |
| Brightest star | Unukalhai (α Serpentis) |
| Fully visible | 74° N to 64° S |
| Observation time for Central Europe | January – October |
