What the recent 'discovery' of a new zodiac sign really means

You might not be a Scorpio after all, according to NASA (well, sort of). Last week, the American space agency published a post re-introducing the constellation Ophiuchus, which was identified by the Babylonians more than 3,000 years ago. It was left out of the zodiac circle largely because 13 astrological signs didn't fit neatly into the 12-month calendar. When one had to be left out, Ophiuchus was cut and thus, ignored in astrological circles for the better part of three millennia.

For its part, NASA has clearly stated on its blog that it studies astronomy, the science of the universe — not astrology, the interpretation of celestial bodies and how it relates to our everyday lives: "No one has shown that astrology can be used to predict the future or describe what people are like based on their birth dates."

But that hasn't stopped the rest of us from wondering: HOW DOES THIS AFFECT ME (AND MY SIGN)???!!

According to this calendar, Earth aligns with Ophiuchus through the sun for 18 days, while Scorpio only appears for seven days, leaving a whopping 45 days under Virgo.

Here's how that impacts each zodiac sign:

Capricorn: Jan. 20-Feb. 16 Aquarius: Feb. 16-March 11 Pisces: March 11-April 18 Aries: April 18-May 13 Taurus: May 13-June 21 Gemini: June 21-July 20 Cancer: July 20-Aug. 10 Leo: Aug. 10-Sept. 16 Virgo: Sept. 16-Oct. 30 Libra: Oct. 30-Nov. 23 Scorpio: Nov. 23-29 Ophiuchus: Nov. 29-Dec. 17 Sagittarius: Dec. 17-Jan. 20

Before you make an appointment to laser off that cute little fish tattoo on your tush, just remember that this constellation has existed for thousands of years, so you probably won't transform from a gentle Pisces to a temperamental Aquarius overnight.

More:
Get your October horoscope
What to expect ‘down there’ after menopause
Pelvic prolapse: Why Kegels should be your new best friend