Aries Constellation
Aries Constellation
Modern Astro Science divides the whole sky into eighty-eight constellations with fixed boundaries. While the tiny star group creates any specific pattern representing any mythological figure, it is called a zodiac constellation.
In the Western Astrology context, 12 zodiac signs correspond to 12 constellations. Among 12 zodiac constellations, Aries holds the 11th position. Astronomers explain the locations of the zodiac constellations according to the two-dimensional map created by each zodiac constellation in the sky.
The famous Greek astronomer - Ptolemy first recognized the Aries Constellation in the 2nd century.
Interesting Facts About Aries Constellation:
● Association of Many Stars:
The Aries constellation accommodates six well-recognized stars - Bharani, Botein, Arietis, Mesarthim, Hamal & Sheratan. The entire Aries constellation contains dozens of stars. So, recognition & naming of all stars is quite impossible. So, International Astronomical Union approved these six stars as significant parts of the Aries constellation.
● Brightest Star of Aries Constellation:
Hamal is recognized as the most luminous variable star of the Aries constellation. Hamal is also well-known as Alpha Arietis. Hamal is recognized
as the 48th brightest star variant in the night sky. Hamal and two other stars- Sheratan & Mesarthim in the Aries constellation- create Ram's head part. The mythological figure - Ram represents the Aries zodiac sign. Hamal, Sheratan & Mesarthim plays a vital role in creating a compact pattern in the Aries constellation.
● Golden Ram Mythology:
The Greek Mythology behind the Aries Constellation figure is the sacrifice of the Golden Ram. According to legendary facts, a golden ram represents the zodiac sign - Aries. In Greece, in mainland Boeotia, Phrixos & Helle were the children of a king, Athamas. When the king, Athamas, remarried, his new wife, Ino, wanted to get rid of his children to gift a new heir to her husband. The biological mother of Phrixos & Helle was Nephele, who adopted the figure of the magical golden Ram to fly, taking her children to the Black Sea. Unfortunately, one of her children - Helle, fell into the ocean. And other child Phrixos arrived safely at the destination, Colchis. Then he offered the Golden Ram to the God Zeus as a sacrifice for saving his life. Ans God Zeus placed the Golden ram in the night sky to honour the whole sacrifice.
● Ancient Origin:
In Mesopotamia, Sumerians called the 'Sun' 'Subat', which means ancient sheep or Ram. According to Egyptian Astronomy, the Aries Constellation is associated with the God Amon-Ra, who was portrayed as a man with having Ram-shaped head. The figure of Amon-Ra represented the things of creativity & fertility.
What Is The Best Way to Find Aries Constellation?
It will be interesting if you notice the Ram figure representing the Aries constellation in the last weeks of October. During sunset, in this period, Aries sparkles in the East. The figure of Ram reflects the highest point at midnight. The Ram starts to fade away during Sunrise in the West. At night, at about 10 pm, the Aries constellation becomes the brightest object in the sky from November to December.
Major Stars in Aries Constellation:
Hamal - The Alpha Arietis:
Hamal carries a glorious status as the brightest variable star in the Aries constellation. Moreover, Hamal belongs to the K Orange Giant Variable Star category. The location of the most shining star - Hamal, is at the Vernal Equinox, where the Spring begins. The term 'Hamal' means "Head of The Ram". The temperature of Hamal is 4590 Kelvin. Hamal lies 65.8 lightyears away from Earth.
Sheratan - The Beta Arietis:
Sheratan is a G -class star variable. The term 'Sheratan' means "Twin Signs". This star has a spectroscopic binary system. The star system belongs to the Vernal Equinox pathway. The distance between Sheratan & Earth is 59.6 light years.
Mesarthim - Gamma Arietis:
Mesarthim is a double-star system which sparkles like the night sky's loveliest twins. The distance between the Mesarthim and the Earth is 164 light years.
Botein - Delta Arietis:
The surface temperature of Botein is 4810 kelvin. Botein is a red-coloured giant star variable in the Aries constellation. The distance between Botein & the Earth is 169.6 light years.
What Does Aries Constellation Represent in Astrology?
The people, born at the end week of March to mid-week of April, come under the influence of the Aries zodiac constellation. The mythological aspirations of the Aries constellation define the characteristics of the Aries people.
● The Mythological symbol of the Aries constellation is the Ram. The significance of Ram's figure is reflected in the astrological traits of Aries people. Due to the vivid Ram iconography, Aries people carry bold attitudes & ambitious mindsets. As the head of Ram defines the Aries constellation, it manifests a bold & fearless mentality in the Aries natives.
● Like a Ram, Aries individuals drive their heads into matters first. So, the Ram figure's association defines the Aries people's active nature. Above all, the influence of the Mythological figure Ram makes Aries people progressive, competitive, spontaneous, and initiative.
● As Ram acts, keeping their head forward to ensure focus & speed, the Aries people go ahead in daily life with courage and do not care about risks. Above all, Aries people reflect youthful energy in their activities and plans and never hesitate to change their focus for progress.
● The medium-sized Aries constellation is seen between late winter & early Spring. The Ram is visible between 90 to -60 degree latitudes. Aries's zodiacal constellation starts in the first month of the astronomical year. So, the astronomical calendar started with Spring.
● As Aries Constellation initiates the Spring season, the Ram symbolizes renewal and growth, full of energy, promising days of an exciting coming year.