The American Association of Amateur Astronomers
The Constellations Serpens - The Snake
 Ophiucus 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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