Ophiuchus Orbit Map

An illustration shows the Earth surrounded by the celestial equator and the ecliptic at a 23.4 degree angle. The winged figure of Ophiuchus stands near the ecliptic path, and purple text at the top reads Ophiuchus straddles between the celestial equator and the ecliptic. Numerous other black and orange labels point out the poles, axis of rotation, and direction of orbit.

Ophiuchus is a constellation that sits between Scorpius and Sagittarius. It is traditionally pictured as a figure holding a serpent, which is where its name, the serpent bearer, comes from.

The Sun passes through the constellation Ophiuchus every year, roughly from late November to mid-December. That is why some astrologers work with a 13-sign zodiac that includes Ophiuchus alongside the familiar twelve.