NASA's 13th Zodiac Sign Controversy Brought Back Constellation Ophiuchus to Life

Astrology followers and some members of the public went berserk when news about NASA's move to change the existing Zodiac signs circulated. NASA was quick to  nullify the claims, saying astronomy is different from astrology and there is no attempt to make such changes. However, NASA recognized constellation Ophiuchus, that mathematical falls under the category as the 13th Zodiac sign.

Some argue that there will be changed in the astrological system that is about 3,000-year-old. In the current system, there are twelve signs divided by the celestial longitude. The Babylons were the once who divided the circle that lead to the creation of the astrological system that we know today.

NASA did not actually move to change the Zodiac system. The agency only argued that its release is based on facts and science. "We didn't change any zodiac signs, we [just] did the math," NASA researcher Laurie Cantillo said in an interview.

Recent reports say that NASA paved the way for the new astrological sign Ophiuchus based on the agency's mathematical computations. The new 13th sign is Ophiuchus, some reports say.

Based on the new system, people born between Nov. 29 and Dec. 17 will be under the new sign Ophiuchus, based on a report. Experts say that NASA only did the math and mentioned the constellation Ophiuchus because of mathematical calculations and they have no intention to change something that many people believed and used as a life anchor for so many years.

Some experts suggest that Zodiac signs, although considered important by many, shouldn't dictate the identity of a person; thus, the changes should not be construed as something detrimental to a person's well-being.

A report by New York Daily News says that the emerging of 13th sign and constellation Ophiuchus is an evidence of the changing skies. The outer space can be deeply explored using ground-based telescopes and is also changing throughout time thus the changes in its appearance.

The controversy involving Zodiac signs is not new. There were a few theories that had already stirred the interest of the public even in early 2000. Some astronomers and even scientists say that the recognition of Ophiuchus constellation should be honored since it is a proven celestial formation and that the issue of changing the Zodiac signs just gotten out of hand causing more confusion to the public.