Constellation Aries in the sky can be seen with the naked eye and can see in it no less than 50 stars. The fact that all the stars in its composition are considered weak and not bright, does not diminish popularity. It is considered to be one of the most famous constellations of the zodiacal circle, myths of legend are associated with it.
Where is the constellation of Aries?
November long nights, let you watch it in all its glory in the southern part of the horizon. The constellation of Aries in the sky is not difficult to find, it is located next to the bright neighbors, on the one hand is the constellation of Taurus, on the other is Pisces. Another way how to find the constellation of Aries on a starry sky map is to look the constellation of the Triangle and look down a bit to the south. The sun in Aries is from April 19, to May 13.
What does the constellation Aries look like?
For ordinary, uninitiated people, finding this sign in the sky is sometimes a very difficult task. This constellation does not form any definite geometric figure, this complicates the search. So, what does the constellation of Aries look like in the sky? The main stars of the constellation, and only three of them, form an arc. All other stars are in chaotic disorder. The ancient Greeks possessed a very good imagination, because to see the lamb with the curls of the horns in this disorderly placer is almost impossible.
Constellation Aries - stars
441 square degrees - this is the area of the starry sky, which occupies the constellation Aries. Of all the numerous stars in the composition, only three deserve attention, but even they are not stars of the first magnitude. The list of stars of the constellation Aries includes:
- Hamal . The brightest star in the constellation, the name is translated from Arabic as "grown lamb". The Hamal value of 2.00m, the spectral class of the star K2 III. The peculiarity is that in fact it is not included in the stellar Aries figure, but is located above its head. Representing the figure of the constellation, Hamal have either on the face of Aries, or slightly higher.
- Sheratan is the northern horn of Aries. The name of the star is translated "two marks". It is referred to as the spectral class A5V. Sheratan, this is a double star with a gravitational companion. The value is within sight 2.64m.
- Mesarthim , it's also a dual star and the third in brightness in the constellation of Aries. It was the first star, the duality of which was discovered with the help of a telescope. The apparent magnitude of Mesarthim is 3.88m, the spectral class is B9 V.
Legend of the constellation Aries
The famous golden fleece formed the basis of myths about this zodiacal constellation. "Constellation of a ram" - as it was called in the distant past by the Sumerian tribes. The myth of the constellation of Aries and its origin contains two versions:
- The golden ram saved mythical heroes of his brother and sister, Fricks and Gull. On it, across the sky, they ran from their stepmother. Galla was killed while traveling, and Freaks managed to survive and get to Zeus. Arriving, he killed a ram, and gave the golden fleece to the chief god Olympus.
- God Bacchus got lost in the desert, the sheep helped him find the way. In gratitude, Bacchus placed the savior in the sky in the place where the passage of the Sun gives birth to a new life of nature.
Constellation Aries - interesting facts
- Previously, the point of the spring equinox was located in this sign, over the past 2000 years it moved to Pisces, but until now the zodiacal constellation Aries is designated in the same way as the equinox sign.
- In Greek, Aries is Cryos, a name consonant with the Greek word "gold". Hence the legend of the golden fleece.
- Cryos is also consonant with the name of Christ. Often images on the icons of the Good Shepherd with a lamb on his hands.