The Internet’s Panic: A New Zodiac Sign

Post date: Oct 05, 2016 11:13:23 AM

By Caroline Horvath ‘20

NASA announced in January of 2016 that there was a thirteenth constellation called Ophiuchus. The constellation does not change the zodiac signs for most astrologers. Photo Courtesy NASA

The internet exploded when NASA’s report on a 13th constellation resurfaced on many different news outlets. NASA stated that there has always been a 13th constellation, which is undeniable astronomy, but this news may have altered zodiac signs as well.

According to specialists, the constellation Ophiuchus has always been there. The Babylonians, who identified the constellations, chose to leave it out almost 3,000 years ago.

According to the Babylonian’s ancient stories, they knew there was a 13th constellation, but since all 13 constellations didn't fit evenly into their 12 month year, they chose to leave Ophiuchus out.

Other professionals believe since by definition, astrology has nothing to do with the stars, Ophiuchus does not change the zodiac signs.

So does this constellation officially change the zodiacs or not?

It depends on the astrologist. Certain astrologists base zodiacs off of the sun. Since the sun remains the same, so do to the zodiacs. But other astrologists base their zodiacs off of the constellations, meaning that Ophiuchus would change the zodiacs for these people.

So for the people that believe astrology is based off of the stars, here are the new zodiac signs and dates:

Aries: April 18- May 13

Taurus: May 13- June 21

Gemini: June 21- July 20

Cancer: July 20- August 10

Leo: August 10- September 16

Virgo: September 16- October 30

Libra: October 30- November 23

Scorpio: November 23- November 29

Ophiuchus: November 29- December 17

Sagittarius: December 17- January 20

Capricorn: January 20- February 16

Aquarius: February 16- March 11

Pisces: March 11- April 18

In the end, NASA did not change the zodiacs. They just did the math and reminded the world that there was a 13th constellation. NASA also doesn't have any association with astrology, only astronomy, the real science.