Constellation The Altar

Ara (The Altar): gift, map and visability

  • Meaning: The Altar
  • Best seen in: July
  • Family: Hercules
  • Latitude: +25° to -90°

Ara or The Altar is one of the 88 constellations modern astronomers have divided the sky into. It's part of the Hercules constellation family. Ara is best seen in July (from latitudes +25° to -90°).

Ara has seven stars with known planets and is usually depicted with its base to the north and its flames rising southwards as described by Ptolemy. This altar was special to the Greeks because it was used by the gods themselves to swear a vow of allegiance before their fight against the Titans. The Greeks regarded Ara as a sign of storms at sea. If the altar was visible while clouds covered other stars, mariners could expect southerly gales.

Ara Constellation Map

Ara Constellation Map
Ara icon

Main Stars in The Altar (Ara)

The constellation Ara contains several bright stars that make up its shape. Some of these main stars are known as:

  • Beta Arae
  • Alpha Arae
  • Gamma Arae
  • Zeta Arae
  • Mu Arae
  • Epsilon Arae

Some of the deep sky objects which have been discovered in Ara include: NGC 6193, NGC 6397, The Stingray Nebula.

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88 constellations: Find out more about each of the 88 constellations and the 12 zodiacs!
Constellation facts about Ara

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