Most of us know our sign. Even if we tell others that we don’t believe in astrology, we take a peek at our horoscope on occasion. In fact, a recent Harris poll showed that over 30% of Americans, one out of every three believes that the stars can shed light, so to speak, on their future. Or at least they did until January 9, 2011. That’s the day that old news became new news. That’s the day that an innocent interview with Parke Kunkle, an instructor of astronomy, let the cat out of the bag – the Earth’s position to the constellations has changed.

It seems that the Earth has a wobbled orbit, making it slightly off balance. When the Babylonians developed astrology, about 3000 BC, each constellation was assigned a calendar period to represent. But not only has the Earth shifted in relation to the constellations (something astronomers have known since 130 BC), Kunkle reminded those of us who were smart enough to know that the Babylonians had thirteen calendar periods, not twelve. The thirteenth zodiac sign got dropped centuries ago to accommodate the Julian calendar (the one we use today). The combination of the two facts has put the astrological world on its ear.

Comments have risen from coast to coast in the United States, where astrology is big business. Because so much of the populations believe the day they were born dictates their sign and, as a result, their future, the change has sparked some debates.

People are weighing in with their opinions of the new astrology, both pro and con. Some protest that they have always been a certain zodiac sign and “just know” that’s what they really are, in spite of the ‘new’ … er … old information. Some point to tattoos of zodiac signs and wonder what to do with an outdated sign.

Others shrug. Looking at the scientific evidence makes one wonder. And, for many people, the zodiac sign they were supposed to be never felt like a good fit. For them, the change is welcome.

Whether you follow astrology or not, the controversy Kunkle’s revelation created is interesting. At the heart of the debate seems to be the question as to whether horoscope followers are willing to look at their beliefs under the microscope of science. If the heavens really do direct one’s life, have they been reading the wrong map?

Below is a list of the ‘new’ zodiac signs and dates attached.

Capricorn January 20- to February 16
Aquarius February 16 to March 11
Pisces March 11 to April 18.
Aries April 18 to May 13
Taurus May 13 to June 21.
Gemini June 21 to July 20
Cancer July 20 to August 10
Leo August 10 to September 16
Virgo September 16 to October 30
Libra October 30 to November 23
Scorpio November 23 to November 29
Ophiuchus November 29 to December 17 (the deleted Babylonian sign)
Sagittarius December 17 to January 20

So, what’s your sign? And how sure are you? If you’re like a lot of people around the world this week, you might be trying to figure that one out.