Facts about the Constellation Aries

Aries, a constellation in the northern hemisphere, is best visible in the winter and autumn skies. It is located between the Taurus constellation (to the east) and the Pisces constellation (to the west). There are hardly any notable nebulae or galaxies present in the Aries constellation. Even though, the star group of the constellation Aries is not so conspicuous, it is an important part of star astronomy. Here are some interesting facts about the Aries constellation.

Aries Constellation Facts

The animal sign for Aries constellation is a jumping or running 'ram' (or sheep), its Unicode symbol represents the horns of the animal. The symbol of ram was first observed in Egypt. The term 'Aries' is a Latin word, meaning 'ram'. According to ancient Greek culture, the Unicode symbol stands for fertility and renewal.

In order to find Aries, look to the west and first locate the Pleiades cluster, also known as the seven sisters. The Aries constellation lies between Pleiades and Pegasus, the "Great Square". As per its size, Aries ranks 39th in the list of 88 constellations.

The notable stars in the Aries constellation are Alpha Arietis (Hamal), Beta Arietis (Sheratan), Gamma Arietis (Mesarthim), Lambda Arietis, Pi Arietis, 30 Arietis and 53 Arietis. Among these, Hamal and Sheratan are the brightest stars, of which Hamal is brighter. The brightest stars represent the head of the ram.

The 'vernal equinox' or the point where the ecliptic and celestial equator cross is referred to as the First Point of Aries. When the point was discovered for the first time, it was in the constellation Aries. However, in present-day, due to precession of the point, it now lies in the Pisces constellation. But, it is still referred to as First Point of Aries. In Greenwich, this point is similar to the null meridian (zero point of the right ascension).

There are many mythological stories about the origin of the Aries constellation. However, the most accepted story is that of Phrixus and Helle. As per Greek mythology, Athamas (the king of Boeotia) and his wife Nephele had one son, Phrixus and one daughter, Helle. As time passed by, Athamas married his second wife Ino. But, Ino love Phrixus, who did not like her. Ino got so angry with the rejection that she tried to kill both brother and sister by starving them. In order to rescue them, their mother sent Chrysomallus, a magical, flying ram with golden fleece. However, only Phrixus was saved, as Helle was drowned on the way. On reaching their destination, the golden ram asked Phrixus to sacrifice him to the Gods. Phrixus obeyed the ram's wish and after his death, Chrysomallus placed himself in between the stars. This is how the Aries constellation originated.

According to Astrology, Aries is the first sun sign of the zodiac. Aries marks the beginning of the astrological new year and represents the season of spring. Those people born between March 21 and April 19 belong to the Aries zodiac sign. The planet Mars rules the Aries sign and fire is the element of this zodiac sign. By nature, people born under Aries are optimistic, bold and independent; very similar to the spirit of Spring season.