Wait, what? Your baby might not be the star sign you thought they were

2020 has sure delivered some interesting challenges: Plagues, fires, pandemics … at home learning.

And now as we enter the second half of the year it looks like the hits are continuing to roll on in with the news that we’ve doing our horoscopes all wrong.

Those expert star gazers at NASA say the stars have shifted since the Babylonians first invented the 12 signs of the zodiac more than 2,500 years ago, and what you thought was your star sign probably isn’t thanks to a new 13th zodiac sign, Ophiuchus.

Ophiuchus, the snake bearer, for people born between November 29 and December 17 shifts Sagittarians into the 13th spot. But what does that mean for your star sign? And what about your baby?

Astrological signs are determined by the sun’s position in relation to a constellation on your day of birth. 2500 years ago, astrologers found an apparent relationship between the constellations placements in the sky and the movement of the sun.

Using a bit of maths, and some science they managed to chart the 360-degree path of the sun into 12 equal parts of 30 degrees each, and voila! Star signs.

Now, you should know that those ancient stargazers did see the Ophiuchus constellation back in the day, but it didn’t fit neatly in those 12 equal parts so they swept it under the rug, and they left it out of the zodiac.

However, there’s been a shift in the sky since then. I mean, 2500 years is a long time. Now none of those constellations are where they once were and the boffins at NASA say it’s time for the unwanted Zodiac cousin to have a place at the table.

“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 shifting dates and the inclusion of Ophiuchus means the other sign’s dates have moved to make way for it. Who even are we now?

What are the personality traits of an Ophiuchus?

According to Astrologist Susan Taylor, this is what we can expect from an Ophiuchus child.

“Ophiuchus people are known for the intense curiosity, openness, passion as well as their jealousy. More of their personality traits include having a fabulous sense of humour, an eagerness to learn and above average intelligence. The Ophiuchus zodiac sign is also very attached to family life and dreams of living happily ever after in a home full of love.”

What star sign will your baby be now?

Ophiuchus, which comes from Greek words meaning “serpent bearing” is commonly represented by a man wrestling a snake. And it’s introcution into the zodiac has caused all kind of chaos.

Here’s what star signs look like now …

CAPRICORN

NOW: January 20 – February 16
OLD DATES: December 22 – January 20

AQUARIUS

NOW: February 16 to March 11
OLD DATES: January 21 – February 18

PISCES

NOW: March 11 to April 18
OLD DATES: February 19 – March 20

ARIES

NOW: April 18 to May 13
OLD DATES: March 21 – April 20

TAURUS

NOW: May 13 to June 21
OLD DATES: April 21 – May 21

GEMINI

NOW: June 21 to July 20
OLD DATES: May 22 – June 21

CANCER

NOW: July 20 to August 10
OLD DATES: June 22 – July 22

LEO

NOW: August 10 – September 16
OLD DATES: July 23 – August 23

VIRGO

NOW: September 16 to October 30
OLD DATES: August 24 – September 22

LIBRA

NOW: October 30 to November 23
OLD DATES: September 23 – October 23

SCORPIO

NOW: November 23 to November 29
OLD DATES: October 24 – ­November 22

OPHIUCHUS

November 29 to December 17

SAGITTARIUS

NOW: December 17 – January 20
OLD DATES: November 23 – December 21

WATCH: How to decorate according to your star sign