Star profile

Rho Serpens

3D likeness based on its real data · class K · ~4,200 K

What is Rho Serpens

Rho Serpentis belongs to the eastern half of the Serpent, the only constellation in the sky split into two disconnected parts by the intervening figure of Ophiuchus. It is an orange K-type giant at 375 light-years, a warm light that has been travelling since before the French Revolution to reach us tonight.

Where it is and when to see it

Rho Serpens lies in the northern celestial hemisphere. It is visible to the naked eye under a dark sky. Its best month of the year is May, when it culminates around midnight.

From London it culminates about 59° above the horizon.
From New York it culminates about 70° above the horizon.
From Sydney it culminates about 35° above the horizon.

It can be seen from anywhere north of 69° S.

It ranks no. 16 in brightness among the 65 stars of Serpens in our catalogue. To find it, start from Unukalhai, the brightest: it lies about 15° away (a fist at arm's length covers about 10°).

The light you see today left it about 370 years ago.

Find it on the sky map

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Astronomical data for Rho Serpens

Constellation: Serpens
Apparent magnitude: 4.74
Distance: 374.9 light years
Coordinates (J2000): RA 237.816° · Dec 20.978°
Catalogue: HIP 77661 · HD 141992

A symbolic commemorative gift: neither the signature nor the chosen name implies ownership of the star or recognition by the IAU.

Other stars in Serpens

Serpens has 65 stars in Stelvia's catalogue. Here are a few of them.

See all 65 stars in Serpens