Aries Constellation – Curiosities and origin – Map of My Heaven

The Aries Constellation is part of the Zodiac Constellations, that is: it represents a certain band through which the Sun apparently falls on the Ecliptic, the largest maximum circle on the Earth’s sphere.

Among the 88 cataloged constellations, it occupies the 39th position in relation to size and can be found in the northern hemisphere, between the Constellation of Pisces and the Constellation of Taurus.

Despite being ancient, and having been cataloged by the astronomer Ptolemy in the 2nd century, it was only officially recognized by the Astronomical Union in 1922.

Although it has few stars and deep-sky objects associated with it, there are some meteor showers that correspond to it and can be observed at certain times.

They are called the May arietids, the autumn arietids, the delta arietids, the Epsilon arietids, the diurnal arietids and the Aries triangulids.

Celestial objects of the Aries Constellations

Within this Zodiac Constellation, there are four celestial objects that deserve to be highlighted: the spiral galaxies NGC 772, NGC 972, NGC 972 and the irregular dwarf galaxy – NGC 1156.

On the other hand, the brightest star is called Hamal (Alpha Arietis). It is a giant orange star, twice as massive as the Sun and apparent magnitude ranging between 1.98 and 2.04.

It is the brightest star in the constellation and the 48th brightest in the sky. The name Hamal means lamb and derives from Arabic ‘rās al-ħamal’, which means “ram’s head”. This is exactly where it is positioned in relation to the image of the animal.

Other stars are Sheratan (Beta Arietis), a white star with an apparent magnitude of 2.64 and Boteína (Delta Arietis), an orange giant with magnitude 4.35 and a diameter 13 times that of the Sun.

If you want to locate the Aries Constellation and are having difficulty, you can use astronomy apps and other techniques that allow you to locate the stars more easily! ?

Greek Mythology and the Constellation of Aries

According to Greek Mythology, the origin of the constellation is quite heroic!

Basically, it covers the story of the flying ram that had wool made of golden threads and that saved Phrixus, son of the king of Thebes, Átamas, with Nephele. This is because his stepmother, fearing for the sake of her own children, tries to kill the king’s children from his first marriage.

Therefore, the ram is sent on the run with Phrixus on its back to Colchis. He is later sacrificed in gratitude to the king there, who receives the precious wool and becomes his father-in-law.

On the other hand, Jason in Thessaly is challenged by his uncle Pelias to rescue the animal’s golden skin. Thus, he would have the right to his father’s throne, in the kingdom of Iolcos.

Undoubtedly, the uncle does so maliciously, as the item is guarded by fire-breathing bulls, a dragon, among other traps.

In any case, Jasão recruits the 50 best heroes of the time and together they manage to overcome all the challenges in Colchis, winning the golden fleece. The ram is then honored in the sky, through the constellation of Aries.

This is just one of several other Greek myths from the Constellations of the Zodiac, where great deeds generate stories fantastic enough to deserve a place among the stars. ?

Aries: characteristics of the sign

Perhaps you imagined that the Aries Constellation was something exclusively linked to Astrology.

In fact, this study became disconnected from Astronomy over the years. And even in ancient times, common characteristics were already noted among those born during the period in which the Sun passed through the constellation band in the Ecliptic.

In other words, those born between March 21st and April 19th (with small variations from year to year) tend to have similar characteristics. For example: persistence, enthusiasm and individualism!

And you? Do you believe that the stars can influence the personality of the signs?

The present constellations

Finally, knowing that you are interested in the Aries Constellation, how about making a celestial map of your own?

We at use the European Space Agency catalogue, which is based on four years of observation by the Hipparcos space telescope.

With this, we can provide our customers with accurate star maps that have great detail and precision in the information – whether from the past or future.

Therefore, you can identify 28 of the 88 cataloged constellations: the main ones and all the Constellations of the Zodiac, if you choose this option.

In it, you will be able to visualize the constellations present on a date or moment that is special to you: whether it be what the sky was like on the day you were born, the day of your first kiss with your lover or a tribute to someone who deserves it very much.

The details are incredible and you can even complete it with a love phrase, a personalized message or a very iconic title that represents everything you feel or would like you or someone else to admire often.

Create your personalized celestial map with the color, model and phrases you prefer and be surprised by the results: just like in Greek Mythology, it will be worthy of a tribute among the stars!