AMID economic chaos and a global pandemic, millions of us have been turning to horoscopes to make sense of the world.
But experts from Nasa reckon the stars have shifted and your zodiac sign may be WRONG.
And they’ve come up with a whole new sign — Ophiuchus, the snake bearer, for people born between November 29 and December 17.
Astrological signs are determined by the sun’s position in relation to a constellation on your day of birth — but the night sky nowadays has moved around since the Babylonians first invented the 12 signs of the zodiac more than 2,500 years ago.
Ancient astrologers wanted to chart the 360-degree path of the sun in a mathematically pleasing 12 equal parts, each one of 30 degrees.
They studied an apparent relationship between the constellations’ placements in the sky and the movement of the sun and the 12 signs were born.
They saw the constellation of Ophiuchus, too, but since it didn’t fit neatly into one of these 12 slices, they decided to leave it out of the zodiac.
However, the Earth’s wobbly axis means none of the constellations are in the same place they were all those years ago.
That, along with the existence of Ophiuchus, means some people believed that the astrological signs we’ve all come to know and love have changed.
So according to Nasa’s theory, many serious and tenacious Capricorns should now accept they are, in fact, optimistic and funny Sagittariuses.
Scorpios who blame their stubbornness on the stars no longer have a legitimate reason — as plenty have become gracious Libras.
Uncertain time
The shifting dates have meant that the 13th sign nestles between Scorpio and Sagittarius so every other sign’s dates have moved to make way for it.
“The line from Earth through the sun points to Virgo for 45 days, but it points to Scorpius for only seven days,” a Nasa spokesman explained.
“To make a tidy match with their 12-month calendar, the Babylonians ignored the fact the sun actually moves through 13 constellations, not 12.
Then they assigned each of those constellations equal amounts of time.
Besides the 12 familiar constellations of the zodiac, the sun is also aligned with Ophiuchus for about 18 days each year.”
The constellation, which comes from Greek words meaning “serpent bearing” is commonly represented by a man wrestling a snake.
Unsurprisingly, Ophiuchus shares many of the same characteristics as Sagittarius, and people with its sign are described as healers and light-bearers.
“More people have been looking to the stars for hope during a tricky time,” says The Sun’s resident astrologer, Mystic Meg. “Horoscopes group together and help explain people’s behaviour, which is helpful when the world seems uncertain.”
Has your star sign changed? Below Mystic Meg reveals what you can expect.
♑ CAPRICORN
NOW: January 20 - February 16
OLD DATES: December 22 – January 20
AMBITIOUS, self-reliant and disciplined, your cool exterior hides a warm heart and determination to build a secure life.
You take time to choose the right partner.
The natural boss of the zodiac – you talk with authority and are often the main moneymaker of the family.
You get sexier as you get older.
NEW CAPRICORN: Holly Willoughby (born February 10 – previously Aquarius)
♒ AQUARIUS
NOW: February 16 to March 11
OLD DATES: January 21 – February 18
YOU’RE the genius of the zodiac and a friend to the world. People fall under your spell because you really listen to them and care.
Your love style is special and imaginative.
But good causes may take up too much of your life.
This can mean you don’t set aside enough time to devote to personal relationships, even though you often fascinate people very easily.
NEW AQUARIUS: Peter Andre (born February 27 – previously Pisces)
♓ PISCES
NOW: March 11 to April 18
OLD DATES: February 19 – March 20
AT work, your talent and creativity bring success and in love you know how to make a partner’s wishes come true.
You read other people’s emotions so well.
You will never stop believing in romance and a fairytale ending, so when the fairytale is stripped away it can be difficult.
You make a brilliant partner and often reward your other half.
NEW PISCES: Piers Morgan (born March 30 – previously Aries)
♈ ARIES
NOW: April 18 to May 13
OLD DATES: March 21 – April 20
YOU are bold, brave, speak your mind and act on impulse.
You have a direct, high-energy approach to relationships and a daring, passionate style.
When you find the right partner, you are intensely loyal and protective.
You know exactly what they want in a relationship and are determined to give it to them.
NEW ARIES: David Beckham (born May 2 – previously Taurus)
♉ TAURUS
NOW: May 13 to June 21
OLD DATES: April 21 – May 21
TALENTED and tenacious at work, romantic and sensuous in relationships, you are also a loyal and dependable friend.
You create the most welcoming, comfortable home and make your lover feel totally cherished.
While these folk can be too impressed by money, they do make the most wonderful comforters.
NEW TAURUS: Katie Price (born May 22 – previously Gemini)
♊ GEMINI
NOW: June 21 to July 20
OLD DATES: May 22 – June 21
YOU are so smart that you can chat and charm your way into all the best jobs.
You have such imaginative ideas and can fill a partner’s life with new experiences.
You’re charming, flirty and fun and you can talk to anyone.
Although it may seem like an advantage, it can lead to some tricky love situations when your friendliness is misinterpreted.
NEW GEMINI: Cheryl Tweedy (born June 30 – previously Cancer)
♋ CANCER
NOW: July 20 to August 10
OLD DATES: June 22 – July 22
RULED by the moon, you are the most caring and insightful partner but are prone to mood swings. You are a good listener and friends turn to you for advice.
The way you tune in to a partner’s secret desires makes you a dream lover.
People think you are gentle and good-tempered but when someone annoys you, you show it in a subtle but effective way.
NEW CANCER: Meghan Markle (born August 4 – previously Leo)
♌ LEO
NOW: August 10 - September 16
OLD DATES: July 23 – August 23
AMBITIOUS and proud of what you achieve, you are also a warm and generous person and help others to do well.
You are passionate, playful and, when you know you’re loved, can be tender and loyal.
True and everlasting love doesn’t happen by itself so you have to work at it. Don’t sit on your romantic throne.
NEW LEO: Idris Elba (born September 6 – previously Virgo)
♍ VIRGO
NOW: September 16 to October 30
OLD DATES: August 24 – September 22
YOU’RE a perfectionist and run your life so efficiently.
But you are also the zodiac’s most intriguing lover.
You want to make your partner’s life a success story and do everything you can to help the family excel.
Some people think you’re pernickety and too fussy about detail but you read your partner’s life brilliantly and enjoy learning.
NEW VIRGO: Stacey Solomon (born October 4 – previously Libra)
♎ LIBRA
NOW: October 30 to November 23
OLD DATES: September 23 – October 23
YOU handle people skillfully at work and in your private life.
You have a real talent for togetherness and your ability to see life through a partner’s eyes deepens understanding and leads to special love.
You’re only happy as part of a dedicated or serious couple.
But, of course, Libra is the fashionable star of the zodiac so you make an effort with presentation.
NEW LIBRA: Gordon Ramsay (born November 8 – previously Scorpio)
♏ SCORPIO
NOW: November 23 to November 29
OLD DATES: October 24 – November 22
YOU’RE the zodiac’s sexiest sign, both magnetic and compelling.
But you also have a strong belief in life-long relationships and friendships.
No one can keep secrets from you but they never know everything about you.
Scorpios know everyone else’s secrets but keep their own.
NEW SCORPIO: Kelly Brook (born November 23 – previously Sagittarius)
OPHIUCHUS
November 29 to December 17
YOU are a very complicated character who wants success, not just for yourself but for everyone else in your life.
You can be a super-strong lover once your emotions are fully evolved.
You’re passionate and not interested in short-term relationships.
You are flamboyant and expect people to be in awe of you and notice your presence.
OPHIUCHUS CELEBS
SUSANNA REID (born December 10)
There are very few people who could keep the peace when Piers Morgan is in the seat next to them.
But Susanna has proven herself a calming and unifying force on TV’s Good Morning Britain.
In typical Ophiuchus fashion, she often manages to bring people together despite their opposing views.
She’s also known to speak her mind on the show, regularly standing up to her co-host.
JAMES ‘ARG’ ARGENT (born December 5):
Arg is a true Ophiuchus in the sense of his flamboyance and love of the arts, having made several appearances on stage over the years as well as his often hilarious appearances on Towie.
BEN SHEPHARD (born December 11)
Ben’s passionate side has been seen when taking part in extreme challenges for charity.
He has taken on everything from climbing Kilimanjaro in 2009 to completing ultra-triathlons for good causes.
Seems boffins were right
By John Sturgis Sun News Editor
I GREW up knowing that, as a Sagittarius, I was destined to be naturally charismatic.
We are warm, friendly and charming personalities who love social settings and have natural gifts as a communicator.
Could my star sign have even influenced my path into journalism?
So this news has utterly knocked me for six.
Now I’m an Ophiuchus – a “snake handler” with a flamboyant sense of style (agreed).
Turns out I enjoy time alone – also true, I am passionate, open to change and have a great sense of humour.
Clearly Nasa was right all along.
Most read in Fabulous
♐ SAGITTARIUS
NOW: December 17 - January 20
OLD DATES: November 23 – December 21
YOU are adventurous, idealistic and outspoken – if sometimes outrageous.
You’re always ready to learn and have a spirit of independence and love the idea of finding freedom.
You are fun to be with and sexy without even trying.
You’re dedicated to having fun, telling jokes and being sporty.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
But secretly you long for any serious and supportive relationship.
NEW SAGITTARIUS: Kate Middleton (born January 9 – previously Capricorn)
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