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When it was recently reported that Nasa had discovered a "brand new" star sign, Ophiuchus, it sent shock waves across the globe. But, this is not actually the case - it was a hoax - and there are still 12 star signs and your star sign hasn't changed!

Ophiuchus is the 13th constellation and has been added into the zodiac wheel
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Ophiuchus is the 13th constellation and has been added into the zodiac wheel

What did the hoax resurfaced Nasa post say?

The resurfaced  claimed that there are actually 13 Zodiac signs - not 12.

In the post, the experts at NASA explain how Zodiac signs were invented by the Babylonians more than 3,000 years ago in order to make sense of the world.

The Babylonians divided the sky into 12 sections to coincide with the 12 months in a year and studied the movement of the sun in relation to these constellations to create star signs.

However, the Babylonians were aware that their system didn't quite match up with the earth's rotation - and so they chose to leave out the 13th sign known as Ophiuchus.

However, the NASA report points out that astronomy and astrology are not the same - so while experts can agree that constellations have shifted over time, astrology is based on an accepted Western system.

The exact same story of a 13th star sign .

What is Ophiuchus?

The origins of the zodiac go back approximately 2,500 years when the Babylonians divided the sky into 12 sections. 

These sections coincide with the 12 calendar months. 

Relationships between the constellation placements in the sky and their movement around the sign were studied along with the 12 calendar months and so star signs were born. 

Ophiuchus is the name of the 13th constellation that has been part of the Sun’s path in the sky.

The constellation of Ophiuchus which is known as the snake bearer
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The constellation of Ophiuchus which is known as the snake bearerCredit: Getty Images - Getty

Despite Ophiuchus being named in astronomy, astrologists have left it out of the zodiac wheel.

The reason for this is that star signs are based on seasons rather than the constellations.

The zodiac wheel is a calendar placing the star signs along the four seasons.

This is the symbol of Ophiuchus
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This is the symbol of Ophiuchus

What are the Ophiuchus horoscope dates?

If it's recognised, the star sign dates for Ophiuchus are November 29 to December 17.

That would mean that many who identify as Sagittarius would now be have the 'new' star sign.

The new zodiac wheel including the 13th sign
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The new zodiac wheel including the 13th sign

What are Ophiuchus traits and characteristics?

The interesting thing about Ophiuchus is that it has the traits from both Scorpio and Sagittarius.

People in this sign hate routines and are always keen to try something new.

They constantly search for new knowledge and is known to be one of the most intellectual signs.

They are ethical and have a clear sense of justice as well as have a big imagination with buckets of creativity.

Looking at their negative traits they are impulsive, jealous, prideful, sarcastic and love to procrastinate.

Who are Ophiuchus most compatible with?

Ophiuchus is more compatible with Pisces than any other sun sign.

This is because they come from the same element - water.

Both signs love new changes and challenges in life.

They love adventure and will favour new experiences in life.

Together they can keep secrets which paves the way for harmony in their long and loving relationship.

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Who are Ophiuchus least compatible with?

The snake bearers are least compatible with Capricorn.

Capricorns are known for their diligence and the procrastination of Ophiuchus would get on their nerves.

Capricorns steady and down-to-earth traits are reassuring but their silence can be a headache for others.

A Capricorn can be quite dull or even boring for Ophiuchus.

Which celebrities are Ophiuchus?

A previous version of this article suggested that NASA had added a 13th star sign. In fact, the blog post NASA published said that the Babylonians identified 13 constellations, but chose to leave one out when inventing the 12 signs of the zodiac. We are happy to clarify.

How do you pronounce Ophiuchus?

Ophiuchus is pronounced "Oh-few-kuss".

READ MORE SUN STORIES

The constellation, which comes from Greek words meaning “serpent bearing”.

It is commonly represented by a man wrestling a snake.

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