Aries – Constellation Facts

Constellation Characteristics

Aries is a simple crooked row of stars and is the 39th largest constellation in the night sky. It occupies 441 square degrees and is neighbors with Cetus, Perseus, Pisces, Taurus and Triangulum. This constellation only has six stars, but it is associated with several well-known meteor showers such as, the May Arietids, Autumn Arietids, Delta Arietids, Epsilon Arietids, Daytime-Arietids and Aries-Triangulids.

IAU and Sky & Telescope magazine (Roger Sinnott & Rick Fienberg), CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

By IAU and Sky & Telescope magazine (Roger Sinnott & Rick Fienberg) CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Planetary Systems

Aries has only four notable deep sky objects. Read on to discover some fascinating facts about these celestial wonders.

• NGC 772: is classified as an “unbarred spiral galaxy.” It is approximately 130 light-years away and also has two supernovae; SN 2003 hl and SN 2993 iq. This planetary system also has an elliptical galaxy called, NGC 770.
• NGC 1156: is a dwarf irregular galaxy and is actually classified as a Magellanic type irregular galaxy. NGC 1156 also has an inner core that is larger than most, thought to be the result of an interaction of sorts with another galaxy.
• NGC 972: lies in the Northern corner of Aries and is catalogued as a spiral galaxy.
• NGC 697: has a magnitude of 12.7 and is located in the Northwest area of Beta Arietis.

Main Stars

The constellation Aries contains six main stars that makes up its shape. Let’s explore them further.

• Hamal (Alpha Arietis) is the brightest star in this constellation, which we will discuss later in detail.
• Sheratan (Beta Arietis) gets its name from the Arabic phrase aš-šarāţān, meaning “the two signs” – the vernal equinox and Gamma Arietis. It is made up of a spectroscopic binary and a white main sequence star.
• Mesarthim (Gamma Arietis) is a triple star system and is also known as the “First Star in Aries.” The system has a binary star made up of two white A-type main sequence stars and a K-type star. The other component is a Alpha-2 Canum Venaticorum type variable star which has a strong magnetic field.
• Botein (Delta Arietis) situated approximately 168 light-years away, this orange K-type giant star derived its name from the Arabic word for “belly” (butain).
• Bharani – 41 Arietis (c Arietis) this star was named after the second division of the sky in Hindu astrology. It is around 160 light-years in distance.
• Epsilon Arietis is a binary star which lies 293 light-years away and is composed of two white A-type main star sequence dwarfs.

Aries, the ram with the golden fleece, from the Atlas Coelestis of John Flamsteed (1729)

Aries, the ram with the golden fleece, from the Atlas Coelestis of John Flamsteed (1729)

Most Shining Star

Out of all the stars that make up the Aries constellation, none shine brighter than Hamal or Alpha Arietis. It is the 48th brightest star in the sky and is considered a K-type orange giant with a magnitude between 1.98 and 2.04. Its name is from the Arabic phrase, rās al-ħamal, which means “head of the ram.” It is located only 66 light-years in distance from the Earth.

Mythology & History

Aries has a fascinating history as well as an interesting myth that surrounds it. Aries dates back as far as the Babylonians. It was here that this constellation got its name and its “ram” symbol. In the 7th century BC, the Neo-Babylonians revised their zodiac. This placed Aries very close to the vernal equinox, giving it a high standing on the zodiac chart, as well as a place in the celestial movement of the Sun crossing from North to South. However, since then, with the movement of Earth’s axis, Aris is no longer in the vernal equinox.

In Greek mythology, a golden ram was sent to save the children (Phrixus and Helle) of a Boeotian King – their stepmother hated them and set them up as a sacrifice. When the twins real mother heard of this devious plan she sent a winged, golden ram to rescue them. As the ram was flying East to Colchis, Helle (the daughter) fell off into the sea, but the son made it. In honor of his arrival the King sacrificed the ram and present Phrixus with its Golden Fleece and also his daughter’s hand in marriage.

Astrology

Aries is the first sign of the zodiac. People born between March 21st and April 19th are in this sign of the ram. Some characteristics of people born under this sign are;

• Courageous
• Generous
• Independant
• Optimistic
• Enthusiastic

However, Aries do tend to be a bit moody, controlling and impatient. They do not like to be controlled and will fight back and even throw temper tantrums when they do not get their own way. This sign makes a good friend, as they are protective and caring and will always look out for their loved ones. Aries make good activists and are quick to jump on a new idea or for a new cause, but when that endeavor loses its excitement, the Aries person will look for new ones to pursuit.

Aries is a fascinating constellation, so the next time you are gazing into the night sky, be sure to search out this intriguing figuration of stars.