Aries (original) (raw)

Aries is one of the constellations of the zodiac, the ram. It lies between Pisces to the west and Taurus to the east.

Notable features

Aries' stars are rather faint except for Hamal (α Arietis) and Sharatan (β). Other important stars are Mesarthim (γ1) and Botein (δ).

Notable deep sky objects

The few deep sky objects in Aries are very dim. They include the galaxies NGC 697 (northwest of β), NGC 772 (southeast of (β), NGC 972 (in the constellation's northern corner), and NGC 1156 (northwest of δ).

Mythology

In Greek mythology, this is believed to represent the ram who carried Athamas's son Phrixus and daughter Helle to Colchis to escape their stepmother Ino. Helle fell off into the sea which later became the Hellespont. On reaching safety, Phrixis (rather ungratefully) sacrificed the ram and hung its fleece in the Grove of Ares, where it turned to gold and later became the quest of Jason and the Argonauts. It appears that Babylonians, Greeks, Persians and Egyptians all agreed on the name of the Ram for this constellation.

Astrology

The astrological sign Aries (March 21 - April 19) is associated with the constellation. In some cosmologies, Aries is associated with the classical element Fire, and thus called a fire sign (with Sagittarius and Leo). Its polar opposite is Libra.

Constellations of the zodiac : Aries -- Taurus -- Gemini -- Cancer -- Leo -- Virgo -- Libra -- Scorpius -- (Ophiuchus) -- Sagittarius -- Capricornus -- Aquarius -- Pisces