Is a 13th Zodiac Sign on the Horizon?
Rumors have been circulating on social media platforms like TikTok, claiming that a 13th zodiac sign is imminent, thereby questioning the validity of the current zodiac system. Users are concerned that their traditional zodiac sign may no longer be accurate. Let's delve into the facts behind this trending topic.
The Twelve-Month Myth
In the past, researchers believed that the sun traveled through different constellations throughout the year. Today, we know that Earth revolves around the sun, changing its position relative to the stars from our perspective.
Prof. Thomas W. Kraupe, an astrophysicist and the Director of the Hamburg Planetarium, explains that, during November, the sun moves closer to the southern horizon, passing through not just one, but three constellations.
The Overlooked Serpent Bearer
NASA acknowledged the existence of thirteen constellations in 2016, including the Serpent Bearer. Historically, the Babylonians were aware of this 13th constellation when they established the signs of the zodiac, but they chose to ignore it due to their twelve-month calendar.
The Serpent Bearer would lie between Scorpio and Sagittarius, with the birth dates of the other zodiac signs shifting accordingly:
- Aquarius: February 16 - March 11
- Pisces: March 12 - April 18
- Aries: April 19 - May 13
- Taurus: May 14 - June 19
- Gemini: June 20 - July 20
- Cancer: July 21 - August 9
- Leo: August 10 - September 15
- Virgo: September 16 - October 30
- Libra: October 31 - November 22
- Scorpio: November 23 - November 29
- Serpent Bearer: November 30 - December 17
- Sagittarius: December 18 - January 18
- Capricorn: January 19 - February 15
NASA's Spokesperson on the Matter
A NASA spokesperson clarified that the Babylonians, in an attempt to maintain their twelve-month calendar, overlooked the fact that the sun traverses thirteen constellations instead of twelve.
Constellations vs. Zodiac Signs
In layman's terms, three elements are often mixed up:
- Constellations: These are the constellations of stars visible in the night sky. There are thirteen of them, including the Serpent Bearer.
- Zodiac Signs: The twelve signs that have become synonymous with the zodiac, named after individual constellations.
- Signs of the Zodiac: A catch-all term referring to both constellations and zodiac signs.
Prof. Kraupe explains that astrologers' "zodiac signs" have no connection to actual constellations or stars.
The Soldier in the Night Sky
It remains unclear why the rumors about the new zodiac sign resurfaced on TikTok. However, the truth remains that horoscopes and astrologers still adhere to the original 12-sign system. Despite the Serpent Bearer constellation's existence, it remains irrelevant to the traditional zodiac astrology.
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The 13th zodiac sign, Ophiuchus, is based on the Earth's axial precession or wobble, which shifts the alignment of constellations every 26,000 years. Historically, Ophiuchus was known to ancient cultures and has a prominent position in the night sky.
However, Ophiuchus's inclusion in the traditional zodiac system is a matter of debate among astrologers. Some argue for its inclusion based on its historical significance, modern astronomical discoveries, or the shift in celestial alignment.
On the other hand, traditional astrologers and enthusiasts oppose the idea, citing the deep-rooted cultural significance of the 12 zodiac signs, the complex nature of revising existing astrological practices, and the lack of scientific evidence to support astrological claims.
In essence, the debate centers around preserving the original 12-sign system versus revision to include Ophiuchus, reflecting the ongoing struggle between tradition and scientific advances in astrology.
